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Chap, a A— Copyright No. . 

sii.-n.K \ 2-4- 


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



































































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THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA 

OR 


WHEN WE SAILED FROM SALEM 






















4 







































































“ IT WAS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT WE COULD MAKE OUR WAY TO 

THE HEAD OF THE DOCK.” 



THE 

ARMED SHIP AMERICA 

. OR 

WHEN WE SAILED FROM SALEM 


N 


A3 X 

JAMES OTIS 

'\ 

AUTHOR OF 

“THE CRUISE OF THE COMET,” “THE BOYS OF 
FORT SCHUYLER,” “JENNY WREN’S 
BOARDING - HOUSE,” ETC. 


CllustratEU fag 

J. W. KENNEDY 



BOSTON 

DANA ESTEIS & COMPANY 

1900 


45371 


Libivi y uf 

SEP 10 1900 

Ofjrr'g* M| 

JeJU./o, /fee 

mJ^jlidsSL 

stcow conr/ 

in 

OkGtk DIVISION, 

-SEE— 1S_12Q!L_ 



69975 

Copyright, iqoo 

By Dana Estes & Company 



Colonial press : 

Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co. 
Boston, Mass., U.S.A. 




“ In the United States every possible encouragement 
should be given to privateering in time of war with a com- 
mercial nation. We have tens of thousands of seamen 
that without it would be destitute of the means of support, 
and useless to their country. Our national ships are too 
few in number to give employment to one-twentieth part 
of them, or retaliate the acts of the enemy. By licensing 
private-armed vessels, the whole naval force of the nation 
is truly brought to bear on the foe ; and while the contest 
lasts, that it may have the speedier termination, let every 
individual contribute his mite, in the best way he can, to 
distress and harass the enemy, and compel him to peace.” 
— From a letter written by Thomas Jefferson , July 4, 1812 . 






















































































































































































. 





















































NOTE. 


A package of manuscript, the pages of which had evi- 
dently been cut from an old ledger or journal, each 
leaf yellowed by time and worn as if with much use, lately 
came into the possession of him who, rightfully or wrong- 
fully, claims to be the author of the yarn spun between 
these covers. Both sides of the paper were covered with 
writing in a boyish hand, and much of the subject matter 
related to private affairs such as could be of no especial 
interest to the general reader. All that had reference to 
the cruise of the private-armed ship America , and the 
doings of the writer, Nathan Crowninshield, and his com- 
rade, Simon Ropes, has been preserved herein. It is set 
down very nearly as it was written eighty years ago, by the 
lad from Salem, who, at the time of preparing the manu- 
script, was living on Staten Island in New York Bay. 
That it is a true and faithful account of the eventful 
cruise, we know full well, since the more important hap- 
penings have been verified by documents to be found 
in the custom-houses at Salem, Boston, and Portland, 
Maine. 










CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 


I. 

An Opportunity 





• 13 

II. 

Under Way 





. 28 

III. 

Omens .... 





• 43 

IV. 

Ghosts .... 





• 59 

V. 

The Prisoners 





• 74 

VI. 

A Stern Chase 





. 89 

VII. 

A Lively Scrimmage 


* 



. 105 

VIII. 

Cheering Information . 





. 120 


IX. The Outbreak 


• 134 










. 





LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


^ PAGE 

“ It was with difficulty that we could make our 

way to the head of the dock” . . . Frontispiece 

“The old gunner straightened himself up, survey- 
ing BOTH SIMON AND ME ” 30 

“ ‘ I AM NOT ASKING YOU LADS TO TELL TALES OUT OF 

SCHOOL,’ THE CAPTAIN SAID ”... .46 

“Suddenly I saw, rising out from the forecastle 

HATCHWAY, A WHITE MASS” 62 

“‘We don’t count on giving a double portion to 

ANY ONE OF YOU THIS NOON ’” 87 

“What a cheer went up from our men” . . . 131 

“We divided ourselves into two watches” . . 135 

“In another instant the boarding pike would have 

found its way through my body”. . . . 140 















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA; 

OR, 

WHEN WE SAILED FROM SALEM. 


CHAPTER I. 

AN OPPORTUNITY. 

TT is not my intention to claim that Simon Ropes, son 
of that famous mariner, Captain Joseph Ropes, or my- 
self, Nathan Crowninshield, nephew and cousin of the 
well-known Salem firm of ship-owners, the Messrs. George 
Crowninshield and Sons, bore any important part in the 
war between the United States and Great Britain which 
was begun in the year 1812 ; but that we two lads did all 
which might be expected from youngsters of our age is a 
fact that can be proven by more than one sailing-master 
or seaman hailing from the Massachusetts coast. 

It is near to eight years since Simon Ropes and I 
signed articles for a cruise on board the private-armed 
ship America. 

Then Simon, who was the elder, had just turned fifteen 
years, and I was three months his junior. 

13 


I 4 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA . 

Why we were allowed to ship on board such a famous 
craft as the America , should be set down first in this tale, 
which I am writing simply in order that, after we have 
grown to be old men, it may be possible for us to recall 
more minutely the events in which we bore some little 
share than if we trusted solely to memory. 

If, perchance, this poor attempt at what a clerkly mind 
might fashion into a most entertaining story should at any 
time come into the possession of others, it is well that I 
repeat why it has been written, lest strangers think I did 
it simply for the self-glorification of Simon and myself, 
instead of which the tale has been preserved, if it so 
chance it be preserved any length of time, for the purpose 
of making public the doings of all on board that armed 
ship hailing from Salem, which wrought so much injury to 
British shipping. 

The America was built in Salem, in 1804, and should 
have been given some other name because of the fact that 
many have since believed her to be the same craft which 
made a cruise in 1802, when the United States was at war 
with France. 

Our ship was Salem built, of three hundred and fifty 
tons burthen, carrying twenty guns, and with a comple- 
ment of from one hundred and fifty to one hundred and 
seventy-five men. 

She was then, and I believe of a verity is now, the 
fastest ship afloat, being credited with having brought into 
port, during this last war, one million, one hundred 
thousand dollars’ worth of property ; with having de- 


AN OPPORTUNITY. 


15 

stroyed nearly as much more, and netting her owners, 
between September of 1812 and April, 1815, six hundred 
thousand dollars. 

She is owned by the Messrs. George Crowninshield and 
Sons, the senior member of which firm is my uncle, a 
whole-souled, generous man, as all who know him can 
testify, and none better than myself ; for from the time my 
father, Captain Benjamin Crowninshield, died, which was 
in 1810, Uncle George cared for the widow and son of 
his brother more tenderly than the majority of men care 
for their own. 

It was in August of the year 1812 when the America 
was overhauled and made ready for a privateering cruise. 
Previous to that time she had been in the merchant ser- 
vice, and earned for herself much credit, it being stated 
by those who sailed her that there was nothing afloat to 
which she could not show her heels. 

When the people of the United States had finally dis- 
covered that patience ceased to be a virtue, that the 
time was arrived when we as a nation should protect our 
own seamen against Great Britain’s press-gangs, my uncle 
and cousins decided that the good ship America should 
take part in the struggle, by teaching the Britishers a 
much needed lesson at the same time that she brought 
in many dollars to her owners. 

Captain Joseph Ropes, Simon’s father, was allowed to 
be the most skilful navigator and the ablest sailing-master 
in the United States. 

In view of what has been done since then by privateers- 


1 6 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

men from Portland and Baltimore, it would seem as if 
that which has just been set down is a rash statement, 
and yet must I hold to it, for when the war broke out 
Captain Joseph could have commanded any vessel, outside 
the navy, which struck his fancy. 

We of Salem believed, and this belief was afterward 
proven to be correct, that the America was by long odds 
the finest craft of her kind afloat, and therefore the people 
along the Massachusetts coast took it for granted that she 
would be commanded by Captain Ropes. 

The ship was well worthy such a master, and certain it 
was she would never come to grief through any careless- 
ness or misjudgment of his. 

Therefore, when it was announced that Captain Ropes 
would sail the America , no one in or around Salem ex- 
pressed surprise, or even intimated that a better choice 
could have been made. 

While the ship was being fitted for sea, Simon and I, 
as may be supposed, were constantly on board of her, 
watching the men as they put in place the twenty for- 
midable-looking guns, and listening to the yarns told by 
old Joshua Seabury, who had, during the war with Tripoli, 
proven himself as good a gunner as he was seaman, than 
which no greater praise could be bestowed. 

“Master Josh,” we lads designated him, and very care- 
ful were we to tack on the “ Master ” since the day he 
flogged Daniel Kelley with a rope’s end, for daring to call 
him “Josh.” 

A good friend to Simon and me was the gunner, and, 


AN OPPORTUNITY. 


1 7 

before he had been given the charge of superintending 
the arming of the America , he spent much time with us 
two lads, spinning yarns of his adventures with the Tri- 
politan pirates. 

There was not another lad in Salem allowed to come 
over the rail of the America while Master Josh was 
aboard, and even though one of us was the nephew of the 
owner, and the other the son of the captain, we two would 
have been denied the privilege but for the fact of our 
friendliness with the old gunner. 

We little dreamed, during the early days of the war, 
that through the old man’s friendship we would become 
members of the famous ship’s crew, for where there were 
so many eager to sign articles it did not seem likely 
Captain Ropes would lumber his craft with green lads. 

From the first hour the work of arming the ship was 
begun, Simon and I watched keenly every portion of the 
work, and I question if a single block was put in place, 
if the smallest rope or hawser was stretched, without our 
knowledge. When Master Josh desired to send word 
ashore, either Simon or I was selected as the messenger. 
In case any trifling task within our power was to be per- 
formed, the old sailor called upon us for assistance, as if 
we were in duty bound to render it, and right proud were 
we of such distinction, for it was a distinction to be or- 
dered here or there by a man who had fought the Tripolitan 
pirates, — a man who had borne his share in the destruc- 
tion of the Philadelphia when she lay beneath the guns 
of Tripoli. 


1 8 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

Well, this condition of affairs, so far as we two lads 
were concerned, went on throughout the month of August, 
and until the ship was so far in readiness for the cruise 
that the water and provisions were being put on board. 
Then Simon and I were literally astounded by a proposi- 
tion which the old gunner made as if it was the natural 
outcome of events. 

We two lads were lounging around the gun-deck after 
the day’s work had come to a close. Master Josh was 
seated on a small-arm s-chest smoking his pipe and enjoy- 
ing a well-earned rest before turning in. 

Simon, believing we had earned the right to hear a yarn 
from the old gunner, began leading up to the subject by 
asking questions concerning the destruction of the Phila- 
delphia, knowing full well that once we could get Master 
Josh warmed up to the affair, he would hold to it so long 
as we might be able to listen. 

On this night the scheme was not a success, much to 
our disappointment. He answered Simon’s questions 
curtly, while his mind seemed to be far away from that 
which he ordinarily was only too willing to hold forth on, 
and I was beginning to feel as if we had been in a certain 
measure defrauded of our rights, when Master Josh said 
suddenly, startling me almost out of my wits by the bold- 
ness of the idea ? 

“ Are you two lads countin’ on shippin’ aboard this ’ere 
craft ? ” 

“Do you mean Nathan and me?” Simon asked, in 
astonishment. 


AN OPPORTUNITY. 


19 


“ Ay, lad, and why not 4 Nathan and me ’ ? ” 

“ Why not ? ” Simon repeated. “ Do you allow that 
my father would take on two boys, when able seamen are 
tumbling over each other in their eagerness to ship aboard 
the America ? ” 

“Well, what of that?” and the old man puffed vigor- 
ously at his pipe. 

“ I reckon we would stand little chance against those 
who are begging Captain Ropes for permission to ship 
aboard this craft,” I said, and for the hundredth time 
there came into my heart the thought that, if we might 
be allowed to join the crew, it was possible we could show 
ourselves worthy the great honour ; but yet I realised how 
hopeless was such an ambition. 

“ How old was your father when he first went to sea ? ” 
Master Josh asked of Simon. 

“ Nearly three years younger than I am now.” 

“ An’ I allow some captain gave him a chance, else he 
never’d earned the name he’s made.” 

“That goes without saying,” Simon replied, as if in 
bewilderment, for he failed to understand what the old 
man was driving at. 

“Then it stands to reason he should do as good a 
service for his own son ; an’ if George Crowninshield 
can’t serve his nephew a friendly turn at a time when 
everything is to be gained, things have come to a pretty 
pass.” 

Simon and I stared at the old man in silence, for it 
seemed much as if he had taken leave of his senses. 


20 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


From the moment it was known that the America 
would be armed as a privateer, the ablest seamen from 
far and near were coming into Salem with the hope of 
being allowed to ship on board her, and one could not 
walk the length of the town without hearing on this 
corner, or on that speculations as to who would be the 
lucky men when the articles were ready for the signing. 

The old gunner smoked on, as if the subject had come 
to an end so far as he was concerned, and, the hope which 
had been so often in my heart growing stronger, I ven- 
tured to ask, but with a certain hesitation as if I were 
simply proving my folly : 

“Do you suppose, Master Josh, that it would be of any 
use for Simon and me to beg of Captain Ropes or Uncle 
George that we be allowed to go on this cruise ? ” 

“Do you suppose, Nathan Crowninshield, that Captain 
Ropes or Uncle George would get down on their knees 
an’ beg you two to come on this ’ere cruise, if it so be you 
never let on that you was achin’ for the chance ? ” Master 
Josh asked, mockingly. 

I caught at the words eagerly, believing, as I afterward 
came to know was the truth, that in them lay a sugges- 
tion to us. 

The old man had no mind to openly advise us lads to 
apply for a berth aboard the America , but would have 
been well pleased for us to do so. 

Instead of continuing the conversation, Master Josh 
smothered the fire in the bowl of his pipe with his thumb, 
and, without giving further heed to us, walked forward, 


AN OPPORTUNITY. 


21 


leaving Simon and me staring at each other as we tried 
to put into shape the thoughts aroused by his words, 
which were forming themselves in our minds. 

How long we sat there gazing at each other like a 
couple of stupids I know not, but after a certain time it 
flashed across me that we were showing ourselves dull 
indeed by not following the advice contained in the old 
man’s words, and moving closely to Simon, as if fearing 
some one might overhear and make sport of us for having 
such high and mighty notions, I whispered : 

“ Surely it can do no harm if we apply for berths on 
board this ship ? ” 

“ Are you so puffed up as to believe that we might 
be allowed to sign articles ? ” Simon asked, in a scornful 
tone, and, now grown bold because of increased hope, I 
said, as if having weighed well the matter, although of a 
verity it had come only with Master Josh’s speech : 

“There’s an old saying, that if nothing be ventured 
nothing can be gained, and surely we shall be in no seri- 
ous condition if your father and my uncle refuse permission 
for us to become members of the crew.” 

“ We are like to gain their laughter and scorn ; but 
nothing more,” Simon replied. 

“ Well, and surely that is not so serious a matter. In 
these times two men will hardly give many hours to mak- 
ing sport of a couple of lads, and, as Master Josh has said, 
they will never ask us to join the crew unless we show a 
desire.” 

“ I am not of the mind to make such a simple of my- 


22 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


self,” Simon replied, doggedly ; whereat, nettled by his 
words, I said, bravely : 

“ If you but come with me I will do the talking, and 
afterward, if it so be your pleasure, you may deny that 
there was in your mind any icjea we might be taken on.” 

He looked at me for a moment as if questioning 
whether I was in my right mind, and then said, in the 
tone of one who would drive a sharp bargain : 

“If you make the request known this night, Nathan 
Crownin shield, I will stand by your side while the words 
are spoken, and take upon myself such blame as may 
follow ; but it must be done before we go to bed, for 
I’ll not try to sleep while there’s any prospect of such 
a possibility.” 

“ By those words you are admitting there is a chance 
that we be allowed to ship.” 

“ Perhaps so.” 

“ Then come with me, and we’ll have the matter settled 
at once. I am ready to do even more than make a simple 
request, on the possibility that we might leave port on 
board this ship.” 

“ My father was to be in your uncle’s counting-room 
to-night, so I heard him tell mother, and if your courage 
holds good, we two may be laughed at by all the clerks in 
the Crowninshields’ office before an hour has passed.” 

Simon could have pursued no wiser course, had he 
wished to urge me on to such a step ; for by his tone 
I understood him to intimate that I was afraid to make 
the attempt, and without further parley I cried : 


AN OPPORTUNITY. 


23 


“ Follow me, unless it so be you are afraid ! I count 
on asking permission from the captain and owner of this 
ship to sail in her, when she goes forth to work destruc- 
tion upon British craft.” 

Then, perhaps, fearing lest the courage should ooze out 
at my fingers’ ends, I went rapidly on deck, over the rail, 
and headed straight for the office of the owners. 

Under almost any other circumstances I would not have 
dared to enter that portion of the counting-room where 
my Uncle George transacted the more private business 
of the concern ; but at this time I was made bold by 
desperation, knowing full well that a delay of five 
minutes or more might serve to shake the resolution I 
had formed. 

My Uncle George and Captain Ropes were holding 
what I could well fancy was a private consultation on 
matters concerning the ship, and both looked up in sur- 
prise, not unmixed with anger, when we two lads stood 
before them. 

I knew from the expression on my uncle’s face that it 
was in his mind to say something harsh concerning our 
intrusion; and, feeling as if I had destroyed what little 
chance we might have had by such a display of rudeness, 
I blurted out the request which was formed in my mind, 
before either of the gentlemen had time to speak. 

“ We have come to ask that we be allowed to ship 
on board the America, and do so because of certain words 
just let fall by Master Josh,” I said, using every effort to 
speak distinctly, and at the same time rapidly. “ My 


24 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


excuse for thus venturing here unbidden is that I dared 
not wait longer lest I lack the courage to make the 
request.” 

“What has Joshua Seabury been saying to you?” my 
uncle asked, sharply. “ Why should he above all others 
think that two boys may be allowed to call themselves 
members of an armed ship’s crew ? ” 

Being thus called upon to defend myself, as it were, I 
repeated in substance the few words the old man had 
spoken, laying considerable stress upon the fact that 
Captain Ropes was three years younger than Simon and 
me when he first went to sea, and urging that, if Master 
Josh would take us under his tuition, we should beyond 
a question pay our footing, even though we might not 
earn the smallest wages. 

Because of the fear — I might almost say the belief, 
that our request would be treated with disdain, and think- 
ing another opportunity to make our wishes known might 
not present itself, I succeeded in stating our case fairly 
well, as I believed. 

Before having concluded with all the arguments which 
presented themselves to my mind, I saw Captain Ropes 
look at his son in a friendly fashion, and then glance 
inquiringly at my uncle, whereat the latter, observing the 
mute question, answered : 

“Two lads like those would simply be so much useless 
lumber aboard the ship, eh, captain ? ” 

My heart sank at what I believed was the beginning 
of a refusal ; but rose very suddenly when Simon’s father 


AN OPPORTUNITY. 25 

replied, with an air which told that he considered our 
request in a certain degree important : 

“ Unless we count on setting some of the men to 
do boy’s duty, we are like to need a few lads, Master 
Crowninshield.” 

• “ Ay ; but you want such as have had some experience.” 

“ If old Joshua Seabury cares to take these two lads 
under his wing, I’ll answer for it they will be experienced 
before we get well settled down to our work,” the captain 
replied, grimly, and Simon furtively kicked me, as if to 
say that fortune was smiling upon us. 

“ I question much if your mother would give her per- 
mission for you to join the America's crew, Nathan,” my 
uncle said, after a brief pause. 

“ She is willing, sir, that I become a sailor, as was my 
father before me, and surely could not refuse her per- 
mission if I should have such opportunity of serving an 
apprenticeship as would come under the command of a 
sailor like Captain Ropes.” 

“ You have turned that nicely, my lad,” Simon’s father 
said, with a chuckle, “and if it so be Master Crownin- 
shield is willing to trust you aboard the America , my 
boy shall go, too ; but I give you both fair warning that 
you will be treated the same as any lads whom I had 
never seen.” 

“ We ask for nothing more than that, sir,” Simon said, 
quickly, and I understood, although the formal permission 
had not really been given, that we two boys were favoured 
far above many able seamen of Salem, inasmuch as we 


2 6 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


would leave port on board the staunchest and swiftest 
privateer afloat. 

Well, not to make too many words of what is in fact 
a short story, it is enough for me to say that, when Simon 
Ropes and I went to bed that night, it was with the 
knowledge that on the following morning we might pre- 
sent ourselves to the old gunner as lads belonging to the 
America, under his charge. 

It is true my mother wept some while I gleefully told 
her of the good fortune which was mine ; but never a 
word did she speak against the project, for again and 
again had we talked of the day when I should set off to 
follow in my father’s footsteps. 

She must have realised that in a lifetime I might never 
hope to have such an opportunity of becoming a sailor as 
now presented itself, and while I doubt not that her heart 
trembled as she thought of our engaging in a regular 
battle, no remonstrance was made against it. 

Simon Ropes and I did not give words to the exultation 
both felt, when we parted for the night. 

Already had we begun to realise the responsibilities 
which would be ours. Even now we understood some- 
what of the sorrow that must come when we parted with 
our mothers, and had a vague idea that when we left 
Salem it might be never to return. 

Therefore it was we gave token of our joy only by a 
silent clasp of the hand. 

I am not ashamed to set it down that my pillow was 
wet with tears that night, as I lay thinking of the many 


AN OPPORTUNITY. 


2 7 


days which must pass before I should see my home again, 
if indeed I ever did, and I dwelt much longer on my 
mother’s grief and my own loneliness, when we should be 
parted, than on the glory which might be mine in case I 
lived to be clasped in her loving arms again. 


CHAPTER II. 


UNDER WAY. 

A LTHOUGH there was no possibility the America 
could leave port within ten days, under the most 
favourable circumstances, Simon Ropes and I presented 
ourselves on board next morning before the sun had 
risen, as if fearing the privateer might get under way 
while we were making ready. 

Having counted on surprising Master Josh by announc- 
ing that we were to sign articles as members of the 
crew whenever the papers were made ready, we were 
disappointed. 

I believe the old man had been firmly convinced that 
Simon’s father and my uncle would allow us to ship, once 
the desire was made known, for he treated our coming as 
a matter of course, and, to our great surprise, ceased from 
that moment to be the friendly friend we had ever known 
him. 

Instead of asking if we would kindly do this or that, or 
explaining that it would be to our advantage if we learned 
to make such a splice or tie a particular knot, he drove 
us to work like slaves, and one would have fancied that 
we met him for the first time on that morning. 

28 


UNDER WAY. 


2 9 


Having partaken of a scanty breakfast, owing to our 
eagerness to be on board the ship at an early hour, it was 
by no means pleasant to run here or there at the old gun- 
ner’s call, or, when one was doing his best, to be sharply 
reprimanded because he had not succeeded in accomplish- 
ing more. 

In fact, the change in his manner was so decided and dis- 
agreeable that I came to believe something had gone wrong 
over night, and took counsel with Simon concerning it. 

The result of our conference was that we made up our 
minds to demand an explanation from Master Josh, and 
without delay. 

We were ready to obey him while he spoke us in 
friendly fashion, but when it came to being ordered about 
as if we were hardly better than the dirt beneath his feet, 
we were disposed to raise forcible and emphatic objections. 

Simon insisted that I should be the one to demand an 
explanation, promising to stand close behind me mean- 
while, thus showing that he was in full accord with all 
I said, and without delay we sought out the old man. 

At the time he chanced to be working upon Number 
One gun, on the starboard side, and although it is cer- 
tain he saw us approaching, never so much as a sign of 
consciousness did he give. 

This seeming indifference nettled me quite as much as 
had his suddenly assumed tone of command, and I broke 
out hotly, asking why it was that he took unto himself so 
many high and mighty airs without due cause, so far as 
we could understand. 


30 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


The old man ceased his work very suddenly when I 
began to speak, and, before having come to the end of the 
reproaches, I believed of a verity he was minded to raise 
his hand against me. 

He evidently thought better of it, however, for when 
I was come to an end of words, the old gunner straightened 
himself up, surveying both Simon and me from head to 
foot, after which he asked, in what sounded very much like 
a jeering tone : 

“ Did I understand you two lads aright this morning, 
when it was allowed that you’d the same as shipped 
aboard the America ? ” 

“ Of course you did,” I said, quickly, not realising what 
turn he was giving to the situation. “ There could have 
been no mistake when we said that permission had been 
given us, both, by Captain Ropes and my Uncle George.” 

“ Then it is allowed that you are the same as members 
of the crew, eh ? ” 

“ How else can it be ? ” 

“ That was the way I understood it, and now hark ye, 
lads. Is it in your mind that boys aboard ship are to be 
dandled an’ petted ? Have you got the idee that every 
man Jack of us must take off his hat ’cause one of you 
happens to be son of the captain, an’ the other a nephew 
of the owner ? ” 

I looked at Simon, not knowing what reply to make to 
such a question, and he gazed at me in mute astonishment. 

“ You may as well make up your minds as to what you 
count on bein’ aboard this ship, ’cause the matter’s got to 



“THE OLD GUNNER STRAIGHTENED HIMSELF UP, SURVEYING BOTH 

SIMON AND ME.” 



. 


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UNDER WAY. 


3 


be settled mighty soon,” the old gunner said, solemnly. 
“ I took it for granted that you was rated as boys ; but if 
it so be you’re reckonin’ on makin’ the cruise for pleasure, 
an’ settin’ yourselves above the others with high an’ lofty 
airs ’cause of your relationship, why, then, we’ll have a 
plain understandin’ from the start. It ain’t allowed that 
passengers may mosey ’round here for’ard, — leastways it 
never has been on any ship I was aboard of ; so you’ll 
excuse me for takin’ the liberty of settin’ you about a 
sailorman’s duties, otherwise I’ll call the crew of the cap- 
tain’s gig to escort you into the cabin, where you seem 
to belong.” 

The old man tugged at the lock of hair over his fore- 
head, as he scraped with one foot, in what he believed to 
be the proper kind of a bow, and started aft as if to carry 
out his threat. 

Now, although I had never been to sea, I knew enough 
of a sailorman’s life to understand that if the remainder of 
the crew got the slightest inkling of what had just hap- 
pened, our lives would be far from pleasant during the 
cruise ; therefore, I checked him by clutching at his arm, 
imploringly, as I cried : 

“We were in the wrong when we complained, Master 
Josh. Surely you have known us long enough to believe 
that we no more intend to shirk our duties than to play 
the part of passengers. It was because you had changed 
so completely that we came to you with the questions in 
our mouths.” 

« Accordin’ to your talk, it seems that you understand 


32 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA . 


the matter without my goin’ into very many explanations,” 
the old man said, grimly. 

“ What you have said is the same as an explanation, 
sir,” Simon meekly replied. “ If you will please set us 
about some task we’ll agree never to raise another 
question, however changed your manner may be.” 

“ Well, I allow it’s jest as well if we let it drop at that,” 
the old gunner said, thoughtfully, “ an’ for the sake of 
your peace of mind in the future, I’d have you youngsters 
understand that, once we’re under way, you will be ex- 
pected to do such work as is given to boys, without 
turnin’ rusty in case one of us don’t happen to handle you 
with gloves on. Sailorin’ is a serious business, but nothin’ 
as compared with privateerin’. On a cruise like the one 
we’re countin’ to make, it’s a matter of jumpin’ to orders 
from the youngest to the oldest, an’ no back talk. I had 
the idee that you was to be took under my wing, so to 
speak.” 

“ Have you seen Simon’s father or my uncle ? ” I asked, 
quickly, now beginning to understand why the old man 
had turned about so suddenly in his behaviour. 

“ It may be I had a bit of a chin with one or the other 
of ’em last night.” 

“And you were told to jump down on us the first thing, 
this morning, so that we might know our stations without 
being allowed time in which to make fools of ourselves V' 

“ I can’t rightly say it was exactly as you put it, lad. 
I was given to understand that it depended on me to make 
sailormen out of you, if it so be there was stuff enough of 


UNDER WAY. 33 

the kind inside your young skins, an’ such bein’ the case, 
from this out there will be no explanations made. When 
things don’t go to suit you, I’m allowin’ you’d best swallow 
’em, or take the chances of knowin’ how heavy the rope’s 
end is when it’s laid on a lad’s back in proper fashion. 
Now then, if you’ve had enough of this cacklin’, get to 
work, an’ see to it you stick at the job, for there’ll be no 
sodgerin’ aboard this ship either by young or old, that you 
can depend on.” 

It can well be understood that from this moment we 
held our peace whether affairs were to our liking or not, 
and, also, that we never again presumed upon the friendli- 
ness .which the old gunner had previously displayed ; but 
buckled with a will to whatever task we were set at. 

Before this day came to an end both of us realised fully 
that we were no more than any other two boys who might 
have been allowed to ship aboard the privateer, and that 
no favours were to be shown because of relationship either 
to the captain or owner. 

Now, it is not my purpose to set down here anything 
more than may be necessary to a thorough understanding 
of what Simon Ropes and I did and saw while we were 
aboard the America , and because there was nothing of 
interest in the fitting out of the ship I count on passing 
over all which occurred from the day we were taught our 
true station among the crew of the ship, until she was 
gotten under way, at half-past eleven o’clock on the 
morning of Monday, September 7th, in the year of grace 
1812. 


34 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


I do not reckon on making mention of the parting with 
my mother. 

It was far too sad a scene to be described in written 
words, and too sacred, according to my way of thinking, 
to be held up for the amusement or derision of youngsters. 

It is enough if I say that when I went on board, less 
than an hour before the ship was gotten under way, my 
eyes were red and swollen with much weeping, and I met 
Simon Ropes, who looked as if his experience had been 
much the same as mine. 

There was no need of words between us. Each under- 
stood what was in the other’s heart, and at that moment, 
if it could have been done without holding ourselves up 
to the scorn of our acquaintances, I believe of a verity 
both of us would have fled from the ship, even though we 
had formally signed the articles, and, therefore, would be 
looked upon as deserters if we went on shore without 
permission. 

For my part, I know that never before nor since has my 
heart been as heavy as on that September morning when 
I made my way through the throng of men, women, and 
children that lined the shore, to the boat which was in 
waiting to> carry me on board. 

My schoolmates would have gathered around me, envi- 
ous of what they were pleased to term my good fortune. 
At another time their words would have been like sweetest 
music in my ears ; but on this morning it was as if they 
mocked me, so bowed down was I by the grief born of 
that first parting, and I refused to hold any converse with 


UNDER WAY. 35 

them, thereby laying myself open to the charge of being 
“ stuck up.” 

I said to myself that, had I realised what it might cost 
a lad to leave his mother, — the best friend he can ever 
know in this world, — not all the glory nor the money that 
could be gained during the most successful privateering 
cruise would have tempted me to bring so much of grief 
upon her. 

However, I had shipped as a boy aboard the America. 
There was never a lad of my acquaintance in town who 
had not been made aware of this fact, and the shame of 
being called a coward prevented me from doing that which 
I most desired. 

Simon and I were aboard the same boat, but neither 
spoke during the short passage from the shore to the ship. 

When we came over the rail the old gunner was stand- 
ing near by and my heart warmed toward him as never be- 
fore, because of the words which he spoke at that sad 
time : 

“ Find something with which to keep yourselves busy, 
lads,” he said, in a most friendly tone. “ Having been 
through with this kind of business myself, I’ve got a 
pretty good idee of how you’re feelin’, an’ there’s nothin’ 
better calculated to make you worse than idleness. Hard 
work an’ plenty of it is what will do you a power of good 
for the next four an’ twenty hours.” 

And hard work we got. 

It was as if Master Josh racked his brains to set us task 
after task in rapid succession, one coming upon the heels 


3 6 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

of the other so rapidly that we absolutely had no time for 
thought, and afterward I understood how wholesome was 
his medicine. 

As I have said, the shore was lined with people waiting 
for the America to get under way, and when finally the 
anchor was tripped, a shout went up from the throng which 
thrilled our hearts, and caused me for an instant to forget 
that in the town was a woman weeping, — a woman who 
loved me dearly, as I did her. 

Well, we were off at last, and the first and worst wrench 
caused by the breaking of home ties was over, so far as I 
was concerned, save that it left my heart sore and bruised. 

By noon we were off Baker’s Island heading due south- 
east, and I realised that the voyage was really begun, 
when the good ship rose and fell upon the ocean swell 
with a motion well calculated to upset the stomach of a 
landsman. 

Simon Ropes and I considered ourselves fairly good 
sailormen, and yet, before night came, we were paying the 
same penalty, and in quite as severe a form, as the veriest 
landsman who ever ventured outside the harbour. 

This sickness was, in a certain degree, a benefit, since it 
caused us to forget the loneliness which had come upon 
us with the parting, and not until eight and forty hours 
had passed did we venture to show ourselves above the 
gun-deck. 

Once in the open air, after our long sojourn below, it 
was as if we had suddenly emerged upon a scene of war- 
fare. 


UNDER WAY. 


37 


The ship was under easy canvas, and needed but little 
conning. Both watches were on deck, and the third 
officer, Mr. Tibbetts, was instructing the crew in the use 
of small arms, Captain Ropes and the remainder of his 
officers acting as spectators, but taking a hand, now and 
then, in the lessons. 

I may as well say here that, from this time forth, when- 
ever the weather permitted, and there were no important 
tasks to be performed, the men spent their time working 
the great guns, or drilling with small arms, and such 
practice never came to an end throughout the cruise, 
however expert we grew to be. 

No one gave any heed to Simon and me, until Master 
Josh chanced to espy us, and then, although we were 
feeling far from well, it became necessary for us to join in 
the drill. 

We left port at noon on Monday, and had not attempted 
to get out of our hammocks until Wednesday was well- 
nigh spent. 

By the time supper was served, however, we were 
quite ready for the food, thanks to the labour performed, 
although it was dished up in anything rather than a palat- 
able fashion, as compared with what we had been accus- 
tomed to in our homes. 

I was not a weak-stomached lad ; but sitting around a 
mess-kid, filled with greasy-looking stuff, which was given 
the name of hash, and taking my share with half a dozen 
tarry-handed sailors, who were neither careful of their 
person nor their language, drinking, if one drank at all, 


38 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

the odd-looking stuff which was called tea, would have 
destroyed the appetite that had come upon me, save for 
the fact that I had fasted so long. 

Before a week passed, however, Simon and I were equal 
to the emergency, and in good condition to get our full 
share of whatsoever was served, save when it came to the 
allotment of rum, of which each man had half a pint 
poured into his pannikin, twice a day, and at this our 
stomachs rebelled. We never could bring ourselves to 
drink it, but traded the stuff for whatsoever our messmates 
chose to offer in exchange. 

Until Thursday night we had such weather as would 
delight fresh- water sailors, with, perhaps, a trifle overmuch 
wind, in the opinion of landsmen, and then came our first 
experience of a storm at sea, when the ship rose and fell, 
seeming now to throw herself against the great walls of 
water, or again rolling until it was as if she lay completely 
on her beam ends. 

The howling of the wind, the rattle of cordage, the 
groaning of timbers, and the shrieking of the waters when 
they leaped inboard, as if eager to overwhelm us, was 
sufficient to terrify all save the stoutest-hearted, and yet, 
after a time, even before the gale was at its height, Simon 
and I came to take it all quite calmly. By observing 
those around us, we could see that there was not even the 
shadow of a fear in the hearts of any, because all knew 
full well the strength and staunchness of the ship, and to 
them the gale was a friendly one, since it carried them 
more swiftly in the desired direction. 


UNDER WAY. 


39 


Since Master Josh had taken us under his wing, we 
were assigned to the same watch with him, and although, 
where the crew was so large, there was absolutely nothing 
for boys to do, the old man never allowed us to shirk our 
duties in this respect. 

We were forced to remain on deck, exactly as if the 
welfare of the ship depended upon our being there, and no 
exception was made during this first storm. 

“ You may as well take all that comes to a sailorman’s 
lot, lads,” Master Josh said, when we were ordered to the 
spar-deck, on the morning after the storm had burst upon 
us, while the ship was tumbling, plunging, and pitching at 
such a rate that the most experienced of the crew were 
forced to clutch at this thing or that, in order to make their 
way forward or aft. “If you get in the habit of stayin’ 
below, just ’cause there happens to be a little breeze, your 
chances of ever bein’ rated as able seamen will be small.” 

We literally clawed our way up on the spar-deck, Simon 
shouting in my ear, for the din was so great that only by 
the severest exertions could he make himself heard : 

“If this is what Master Josh calls a ‘breeze,’ I hope we 
may never be afloat in one of his gales.” 

Our coming on deck was needless, since no one called 
upon us for any service, and we would have been unable 
to perform the slightest task even had it been required. 

We took up our stations near the foremast, where we 
might the better hold ourselves steady, and there remained, 
knowing full well that we were not adding to our store of 
knowledge in the slightest degree. 


40 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


So far as making sailormen of ourselves was concerned, 
we might just as well have remained in the hammocks on 
the gun-deck, and it would have been vastly more com- 
fortable, for we were wet to the skin within five minutes 
after having come above. 

Save for the fact that the men went about their duties 
unconcernedly, with no show of alarm, and behaving much 
as if this sort of weather was not only to be expected 
but pleasing, I should have believed the ship was in the 
greatest danger, and in truth it was many minutes before 
I could look up at the waves, which now and then tow- 
ered far above us, without feeling positive that death was 
very near at hand. 

After a time, however, we became in a certain degree 
accustomed to the tumult, and found it possible to watch 
what was going on around us with some degree of intel- 
ligence. 

I noticed with mild curiosity that five men were on the 
maintopmast, and wondered whether it was their purpose 
to snug down the canvas, or if the captain had it in his 
mind to show more sail to the howling wind. 

They were so nearly above me that I could not clearly 
observe their movements, and while I stood gazing at 
them, rather because I had nothing else with which to 
occupy my mind than that their movements particularly 
interested me, a sharper gust of wind than we had so far 
felt came swooping down upon us, causing the ship to 
lay over until her yard-arm ploughed off the tops of the 
white-capped billows. 


UNDER WAY. 


41 


The little company aloft continued at their task as if 
there was nothing in the situation to cause alarm, and 
slowly, inch by inch as it were, the gallant craft came 
up nearly to an even keel, only to be whirled back once 
more by what was like unto a cloud of wind, and then 
was mingled with the shrieking and howling and hissing 
the sound as of splintering wood. 

Even as I gazed the spar was carried away, the heavy 
ropes snapping like whip-cords under a tremendous strain. 

It was as if my heart stood still, and breath failed me 
when those five brave fellows, one of whom lived in Salem 
within a stone’s throw of my mother’s dwelling, were 
engulfed in that angry sea, upon which it seemed as if no 
craft smaller than our ship could possibly live. 

Fortunately, others beside myself had seen the disaster, 
and then, although I did not realise it at just that moment, 
we came to understand of how much advantage was the 
constant drill and practice to which the men had been 
subjected since the hour of leaving port. 

Captain Ropes chanced to be on deck at the fatal 
instant, and there was no more of confusion or apparent 
excitement when the ship was put about than if we had 
been executing some ordinary manoeuvre in fair weather. 

At the first cry betokening danger every man went to 
his station, and the orders which came from the quarter- 
deck were obeyed almost as soon as spoken, with such 
effect that it seemed to me as if no more than three 
minutes elapsed before our course was completely changed. 

I came to understand, however, that much more time 


42 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


had passed than I supposed, on seeing how far away was 
the splintered spar to which our shipmates were clinging, 
knowing full well that whatsoever of aid was possible in 
such an angry tumult of waters would be given them. 

But for the fact of having been on board the America 
at this time, I could set down a most thrilling description 
of what might have occurred from the moment the spar 
was carried away until the half-drowned men were brought 
aboard ; but having been there, I am forced to say it 
was all as commonplace, and the work performed as 
methodically, as during the simplest manoeuvre which 
can be imagined. 

In less than half an hour our five messmates were with 
us once more, and all hands were engaged in making 
ready a new spar. 

The extra amount of labour required, and the short 
deviation from our course, appeared to Simon and me to 
be the only result of this accident ; but when we were 
below once more, where we could hear the men yarning 
and arguing as sailors will, I came to understand that the 
mishap might work serious mischief in the future. 

One and all of the crew insisted that we had begun the 
voyage with a bad omen ; that this breaking of a new spar 
when we were hardly more than out of port, was a sign 
that the cruise would be a disastrous one, more partic- 
ularly since it occurred on a Friday, and the foremost 
among the croakers was none other than Master Joshua 
Seabury, he whom Simon Ropes and I looked up to as 
the ablest, bravest seaman that ever jockeyed a yard-arm. 


CHAPTER III. 


OMENS. 

T T was only after the gale had died away, and a new 
topmast had been sent aloft, that we lads came to 
understand how much mischief or trouble, whichever you 
choose to term it, might come of that disaster which had 
terminated so happily. 

Once our watch was at leisure, the men began specu- 
lating upon the significance of what they were pleased to 
call an “omen,” and those whom I had looked upon as 
the bravest appeared to be the most disheartened by the 
mishap. 

The breaking of the spar, which was doubtless brought 
about by some serious defect in the timber, dismayed 
them, and one and all argued as if eager to prove that 
the accident was but the forerunner of direst disaster. 

Master Joshua looked grave as any owl while he told a 
yarn of a vessel which had lost a spar while leaving port, 
and was never heard of afterward, declaring solemnly 
that the mishap had come about solely as a means of 
warning the crew not to sail in the craft. 

“ But if they had already left the port, how would it be 
possible for the men to go back, even though the captain 

43 


44 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


had been willing to stand by and see his crew desert ? ” 
Simon asked, innocently, whereat Master Joshua fell into 
a passion, because “a boy ” had dared make such foolish 
inquiries regarding what was as “ plain as the nose on a 
man’s face.” 

“ It ain’t for the likes of you to be askin’ questions 
about the signs that are sent to sailormen,” he roared, 
shaking his fist at the lad who was simply trying to gain 
what might prove to be useful information. “ Anybody 
who ain’t a natural born fool knows that sich things are 
seen by them as live on the ocean, an’ the pity of it is 
there are id juts what can’t take warnin’.” 

“ Then you’re ready to believe that this ’ere cruise 
won’t be a payin’ one, eh ? ” the captain of Number 
Four gun asked, seriously. 

“ Accordin’ to what I’ve seen in this ’ere world, I 
wouldn’t want to put very many hopes on the Americas 
ever gettin’ into the home port again.” 

After this gloomy prediction, for such it was because 
of the tone in which the words had been spoken, all hands 
began to look down in the mouth, and it can well be 
imagined that even Simon and I were feeling far from 
cheerful. 

Had any other member of the crew suggested such a 
possibility, simply because we had carried away a topmast 
immediately after leaving port, I could have laughed at 
him ; but Joshua Seabury was, to my mind, the ablest 
seaman afloat, and all he said carried great weight with 
it, so far as I was concerned. 


OMENS. 


45 


The old man lighted his pipe in a sorrowful manner, as 
if saying to himself that the good ship might founder 
before he could finish his smoke, and the remainder of 
the crew began to spin yarns regarding signs and omens 
of which they had heard, until the whole boiling of them 
were worked up into the most doleful frame of mind. 

Had the word been passed just then that a British priva- 
teer was in sight, I question if any undue excitement would 
have been shown by our men, so positive did all appear to 
be that we were on the eve of some great disaster. 

At first Simon and I were disposed to laugh at these 
senseless forebodings, even though Master Joshua himself 
had been the first to give them words ; but, later, it ap- 
peared to me as if much mischief might befall us because 
the men were so bent on persuading themselves that the 
carrying away of the topmast, especially on a Friday, was 
a token that some more than ordinarily serious danger 
threatened. 

It would be reasonable to suppose that every privateers- 
man was in danger so long as he remained afloat searching 
for the enemy ; but to peril which had so good a founda- 
tion, these superstitious sailors gave no heed. 

It was to them as if we had been protected until the 
moment after the topmast fell, and then we were not only 
left to our own devices, but given to understand that we 
could not escape even the ordinary dangers of the sea. 

In reading over what has just been set down, I find that 
I have failed in giving a good idea of the state of mind into 
which every man Jack among us had fallen. 


4 6 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


Perhaps at the time Simon and I did not fully realise 
what all this arguing, speech-making, and yarn-spinning on 
the subject of omens might amount to, but we had more 
than an inkling when, at a late hour on the second night 
after the topmast fell, while we were lounging about the 
deck simply because our watch was supposed to be on 
duty, Captain Ropes called for us to come aft. 

Up to this moment he had given no heed whatsoever to 
Simon ; it was as if the lad ceased to be a relative of his 
the moment he came aboard the ship as one of the crew, 
and I was feeling more than a trifle sore because my 
comrade’s father appeared to be copying so perfectly after 
Master Josh. 

“I’m not asking you lads to tell tales out of school,” the 
captain said, when we had followed him into the after-cabin 
where he had his quarters; “but I would like to know if 
the men are still chewing over the loss of the topmast.” 

Simon, who had seemingly failed to observe that his 
father no longer treated him as a son, at once gave a very 
good description of the situation of affairs forward, and 
when his story was come to an end the captain dismissed 
us exactly as he would have dismissed two lads whom he 
had never met before ; but I guessed that he was disturbed 
in mind because of the foolish fears of the men. 

We two lounged forward again, once we were at liberty, 
and I would have spoken with Simon concerning his 
father’s odd behaviour, but that the lad cut me short by 
saying, quite curtly : 

“ Before coming on board I was told plainly what might 



“ ‘ I AM NOT ASKING YOU LADS TO TELL TALES OUT OF SCHOOL,’ 

THE CAPTAIN SAID.” 






- 





OMENS. 


47 


be expected, therefore I can’t complain. My father first 
went to sea with an uncle, and now he is giving me the 
same treatment which he then received.” 

“ But where would be the harm if he allowed us the run 
of the cabin, now and then ? ” I asked, petulantly. “ It 
would please me right well to sit at his table once or twice 
in a week.” 

“ That you will never do while we are members of the 
crew,” Simon replied, with a laugh, “ and perhaps it is 
quite as well.” 

“ I’d like to know how you can figure that out ? ” and 
now I was grown quite hot. “ If my uncle was on board, 
I venture to say both of us would be eating there every 
day in the week.” 

“ Which might not be to our advantage. Now the men 
treat us as belonging to their mess ; but if we ate in the 
cabin while pretending to do duty forward, father says our 
lives would soon be made burdensome, and surely he 
ought to know.” 

To my mind the argument was a feeble one, not worthy 
a brave man like Captain Ropes ; but I held my peace, 
understanding that it could hardly be pleasing for Simon 
to hear me criticise his father. 

While the crew discussed the supposed ominous omen, 
I brooded over the fancied injustice of the captain toward 
Simon and myself, and in a very short time succeeded in 
believing that I was a veritable victim. 

Simon Ropes displayed more sound common sense than 
all the remainder of us put together, and from that time 


48 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


when he stood up like a man battling against the fancies 
and whims of the men, with never one, not even I who 
counted myself his comrade, to back him, I came to know 
the lad for the hero he afterward proved himself to be 
when the decks were slippery with American blood. 

Within two days after the topmast had been carried 
away the men were in very nearly a mutinous mood, some 
claiming that the America should put back sufficiently long 
to cast off the spell of ill fortune which had been thrown 
over her, and others declaring that at the first opportunity 
they would desert, believing they were morally entitled to 
do so in order to save their own lives. 

“ If it was only a case of standin’ up in a fair fight, no 
matter how big might be the odds against us, I’d willingly 
take my chances, with the others, because I shipped for 
such work,” one of the younger men of the crew said more 
than once in my hearing. “ But this flyin’ in the face of 
bad luck, with a warnin’ plain before us, is more’n I bar- 
gained for.” 

As a matter of course, his messmates should have 
reported him for uttering words which were well calculated 
to destroy the discipline of the ship ; but it was as if nearly 
every man on board, save the officers, were in much the 
same way of thinking. 

It was not simply the carrying away of a spar which so 
disturbed the crew ; but, rather, the manner in which it 
was done, together with the time of the accident, all of 
which we lads heard discussed during nearly every hour 
while we were off duty. 


OMENS. 


49 


The topmast was a new spar, and there was no apparent 
reason for its breaking ; the gale was not heavy enough to 
cause the mishap, and the men refused to entertain the 
very reasonable explanation that there had been some 
defect in the timber, which escaped the notice of the spar- 
makers. 

Then again, the accident had occurred on the first 
Friday after leaving port, and before we had sighted the 
sail of an enemy. Such a combination of circumstances, 
so the old shellbacks declared, was sufficient to stamp the 
affair as an omen of the most pronounced character. 

The fact that all the men who had been aloft were 
saved, without even so much as a scratch, was brought 
forward by Simon, whenever the crew would condescend 
to listen to him, as a good reason why we should look 
upon the matter as one of good rather than bad signifi- 
cance, but day by day the mutinous talk grew louder. 

The topmast had been carried away on the eleventh day 
of September, and not until the twenty-third of the same 
month did we fall in with a craft of any description. 

The absence of vessels when we were in the track of the 
enemy’s merchant-ships was, to this superstitious crew, only 
additional proof that they were correct in their fancies. 

The sun was just showing himself above the horizon on 
the day last mentioned, when the lookout shouted what, 
under different circumstances, would have been most wel- 
come news. 

A craft of some description was in sight ; but so far 
away that it was impossible to make out anything save 


50 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


what, to Simon and I, looked like nothing more than the 
wing of a sea-bird outlined against the clear sky to 
leeward. 

Certain it is the men would have grumbled had our 
ship’s course not been altered on the instant, and then, 
when this was done, even before the captain knew what 
kind of a craft he was steering for, every man Jack of 
them began making the most dismal predictions. 

Now we were to learn the meaning of the omen, the 
men said, walking moodily to and fro as if certain that 
death was very close aboard. We would find the 
stranger an English frigate, at the very least, and the 
cruise of the America as an American vessel would come 
to an end before sunset. 

I believe of a verity that, had we fallen in with a 
Britisher who carried no greater weight of metal than our- 
selves, these predictions would have come true, so dis- 
pirited were the crew, and while we slowly drew nearer 
the strange sail, Simon and I stood well forward, burning 
with the most painful anxiety, fancying we were approach- 
ing some terrible doom. 

Before two hours had passed, such a lady for sailing 
was the ship, we could see clearly the topsails of the 
chase, and the most outspoken grumbler among us 
declared that she was nothing more formidable than a 
British merchant-brig. 

The majority of the crew began to recover their courage 
and their spirits ; but a few of the older shellbacks insisted 
that, whether the stranger was a peaceful merchantman 


OMENS. 5 1 

or a heavily armed privateer, we were about to learn the 
true meaning of the omen. 

And so we did learn the meaning, or, rather, that it 
had no meaning at all, — at least, nothing that was to work 
us harm at the beginning of the voyage. 

Within an hour of noon we had overhauled and brought 
to the British brig James and Charlotte , Lavitt, master, 
from Liverpool, bound for St. John’s with a cargo of hats, 
dry goods, and a general assortment of merchandise. 

One gun had been fired to bring her to, and no more 
powder than the single charge was burned in the capture 
of what all hands knew beyond a perad venture was a 
valuable prize. 

It would have pleased me well had I been allowed to 
board her ; but Captain Ropes was not disposed to spend 
any idle time when there were, perhaps, other merchant- 
men to be overhauled. 

Without delay a prize-crew of six, under command of Mr. 
Tibbetts, was thrown on board, after which we stretched 
away on our course with eleven prisoners in the hold, and 
the master of the captured brig quartered aft, he having 
passed his word of honour to make no attempt to com- 
municate with the other Britishers. 

The tongues of those off duty began to wag furiously 
once we stood away from the brig, and now had come the 
time when those who argued the strongest that we were 
doomed to some terrible misfortune, and among whom 
was Master Josh, were forced to bear such ridicule as 
only a crew of sail or men can invent. 


52 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


Simon and I believed that the capture of this first prize, 
which was a rich one, such as should go far toward tassel- 
ling our neckerchiefs with dollars, would bring to an end 
all the mutinous talk we had been hearing, and, during 
the remainder of this day, we were correct. 

Next morning, however, the croakers had decided that 
one vessel captured was no sign the omen was for the 
good rather than the bad, and straightway began figuring 
how the traverse might be worked to bring ruin upon us. 

This last stage of the believers in omens was not as 
serious as the first, since there were very many who con- 
tented themselves with reckoning how much would be 
coming to us from the prize, in case Mr. Tibbetts suc- 
ceeded in getting her to a home port, and when one sets 
dollars against old women’s whims, the odds are decidedly 
in favour of the former. 

Now from this time out we had so much of drill during 
fair weather, that the croakers really did not have time to 
present their foolish views in detail, and we two lads 
counted on the matter dying a natural death ; but in this 
we were mistaken. 

Were I to set down here all we did or said while the 
America cruised here or there, without sighting any save 
a friendly sail, the words would fill an enormous book, and, 
when they had been read, would amount to nothing. 

Life aboard ship, as Simon and I soon came to under- 
stand, grows very monotonous after a certain time, and 
we who had nothing more exciting than the continual 
drills with small arms, exercise at the great guns, and 


OMENS. 53 

lessons in working ship under every emergency, soon grew 
sick at heart because of the lack of adventure. 

It goes without saying that, during this time of com- 
parative idleness, Simon Ropes and I were educated into 
very fair sailors, as well as privateersmen, and, before 
many weeks had passed, came to believe we could hold 
our own with the oldest shellback on board. 

Now and then Captain Ropes condescended to speak 
with us ; but a stranger would not have believed that my 
comrade was his son, or I the nephew of the ship’s 
owner. 

As a matter of course we two lads were thoroughly 
instructed as to our duties in event of an engagement, and 
day after day did we serve the gunners with ammunition, 
which it was necessary we should carry back to the maga- 
zine when the drill was at an end. 

When the days lengthened into weeks after the capture 
of our first prize, and we came across nothing flying the 
British flag, the croakers sprang up very strong once 
more, and during our watch below we heard so much 
about omens and signs that I literally turned sick at heart 
whenever I came across a group who were harping on the 
loss of a new topmast on the first Friday after leaving 
port. 

The prisoners must have had a sorry time of it ; they 
were kept in the hold, except two hours each day when 
they came up for fresh air and exercise, and I dare ven- 
ture to say that they longed as heartily as did our crew 
that another capture might be made, because then their 


54 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


chances of being sent ashore would be so much the 
greater. 

Simon and I saw but little of these unfortunates, for the 
very good reason that we kept out of their way so far as 
possible. 

It was by no means pleasant to watch the poor fellows 
when they came on deck eager and thirsty for a breath of 
sweet air, and we made it our business to be engaged in 
some other part of the ship while they were pacing to and 
fro on deck, guarded by eight or ten men with loaded 
muskets in their hands. 

During all this long, weary time of watching, hoping, 
and predicting evil, we came to know what a gallant craft 
was ours. 

There was ample opportunity to test her sailing quali- 
ties under every condition of weather, and never a man 
on board who did not come to believe she could overhaul 
or show her heels to anything afloat. 

We skirted along the coast of Portugal, passing the 
island of St. Michael on the fifth of October, and yet not 
until a full month later, that is to say, on the sixth day of 
November, did we sight another craft flying the cross 
of St. George. 

During all this time our croakers had kept their tongues 
wagging industriously, declaring that the next time we 
saw the British flag it would be at the topmast head of 
an English ship of the line, which would speedily verify 
the predictions represented by the faulty topmast. 

It was as if we had been at sea half a lifetime when the 


OMENS. 


55 


lookout reported a brig-rigged craft to windward, and after 
she was brought into view of us on deck we knew beyond 
question that we had almost within our clutches another 
British craft. 

The cruise did not bid fair to be what is known as a 
“ lucky ” one if the game was to be found so few and far 
between ; but we were ready to welcome anything that 
might break the monotony, even though it should be a 
Britisher that far out-classed us. 

A little fighting then, with some blood-letting, would 
have been good medicine for those who were grown muti- 
nous once more, and I fancied, from what could be told by 
the expression on the faces of the officers, that a regular 
battle, providing we might get the best of it, would be 
welcomed, even though there were no dollars to be 
gained. 

We were not to overhaul this second Britisher without 
some labour, as we soon came to understand, for the brig 
was a smart sailer, and more than once before she was 
brought to did it appear as if she might succeed in giving 
us the slip, despite the good qualities of our ship. 

From ten o’clock in the forenoon until nearly daybreak 
next morning, we staggered on under full press of canvas, 
not gaining more than two miles in all that time, and then 
Master Josh began to breed discontent by declaring that 
we were astern of no less a craft than the Flying 
Dutchman herself. 

“ We’ll board her even if she’s full to the scuppers with 
ghosts,” the boatswain said, smiting his thigh with his 


56 


THE AT MED SHIP AMERICA. 


hand as if bent on splintering the bone. “ We’ve had 
enough of signs an’ tokens since this ’ere cruise began, an’ 
I’m cornin’ to believe that our ill luck is caused by it. I’m 
not settin’ myself up to put this whole ship’s company 
into proper trim ; but this much I’ll swear to, the next 
man who begins to croak about what’s goin’ to happen 
jest because a cross-grained timber went adrift in a gale, 
will come mighty nigh havin’ to settle the question once 
an’ for all with me. I’m not a fightin’ man naturally, 
neither am I willin’ to hear so much chin over nothin’ 
more’n might have been expected.” 

Both Simon and I were fully prepared to see these 
words provoke such a quarrel as only the master-at-arms 
could quell ; but to our surprise not a word was spoken in 
reply. Every man Jack of the croakers held his peace, 
although there were many among them, notably Master 
Josh, who might have given the boatswain more of a task 
than he wanted, bad it come to a game of fisticuffs. 

Most likely the fact that we were in chase of what 
might prove a rich prize prevented the men from indulging 
in a fight ; but certain it is that the challenge, for it could 
be taken as nothing less, was not accepted. 

I noted with considerable satisfaction, however, that we 
heard no more about omens during the remainder of the 
race, which came to an end about noon, with the British 
brig Benjamin lying to about half a mile to leeward, and 
Captain Ropes calling off a prize-crew to take her in 
charge. 

This craft, the second we had taken, was bound for 


O MEATS. 5 7 

England from Newfoundland, laden with fish, and com- 
manded by James Collins. 

We took from her the mate and seven men, leaving on 
board her captain, one man, and a boy, and sent from the 
America Joseph Dixon and eight men, with orders to 
make any port in the United States north of Nantucket. 

There was no time spent in overhauling the prize. As 
soon as the prisoners could be brought aboard we were 
off, leaving Master Dixon to his own devices, so far as 
keeping clear of British armed vessels was concerned. 

Both Simon and I had hoped the prisoners taken from 
the James and Charlotte would be sent away ; -but instead 
of thus clearing the ship, we received an addition of eight 
others, and, what concerned us two lads most nearly, we 
were told off to care for the enemy in the way of keeping 
them supplied with food and water. 

It was the most distasteful task ever set me ; but there 
was no use in trying to cry off from it, and, even had it 
been ten times worse than really was the case, I would 
not have uttered a single word of complaint, save, perhaps, 
to my comrade, for there had been full and plenty of 
grumbling on this cruise. 

Our duties, as we soon learned from the second officer, 
consisted in carrying from the cook’s quarters to the hold 
the food served out for each meal, and also to have an eye 
over the prisoners during a certain portion of each day, 
when the full crew was required to be on deck at the 
regular drill. 

Thus it was that we two lads found ourselves beyond 


58 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


control of Master Josh, who had not proven himself a 
very good instructor, owing to the severe attack of fear 
and grumbling which had come upon him with the carry- 
ing away of the topmast, and I for one was not sorry to 
make the change, although almost any other duty than 
that of guarding and feeding the prisoners would have 
been more to my liking. 

I could not prevent a certain feeling of pity for these 
poor fellows, who were thus kept in close confinement for 
no other reason than that their king was at war with the 
United States, and it is possible that both us lads did 
somewhat toward making the imprisonment less irksome 
at times. 


CHAPTER IV. 

GHOSTS. 

B Y waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I 
gained certain information of greater or less value, 
although there was in the task nothing to give us 
pleasure. 

When it had been announced that we were at war once 
more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen 
were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs ; 
but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in 
our new station aboard the America , I came to understand 
that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a 
degree, friendly toward us. 

As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners 
complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s 
ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the 
mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, 
although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the 
case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he 
might help defend his country, as it was for the American 
to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch 
whom he had no reason to love or respect. 

These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were 
59 


6o 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we 
loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, 
we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by 
the officers of the English navy against their own people, 
until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much 
reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76. 

However, it is not for me to set down such information 
as is doubtless known to many of our people already ; 
but I must confine myself to the principal events which 
occurred while Simon Ropes and I served on board the 
armed ship America , and now has come the time when 
the most thrilling of our experiences is to be related. 

It was on the second night after we had parted com- 
pany with the Benjamin , and there was no more than air 
enough stirring to give the ship steerageway, while a cer- 
tain mist hung over the water, partially obscuring the 
faint light of the stars. 

At sunset, not the faintest glimmer of a sail had been 
seen, in either direction, and while the breeze held so 
light it was certain nothing would heave in sight, there- 
fore were the men on the lookout more careless, knowing 
full well their watchfulness would be vain. 

Simon and I had come up from the hold about eight 
o’clock, having loitered there a certain length of time 
after the guard was changed, in order to talk with the 
prisoners, and, coming on to the gun-deck, saw there 
the men separated in little groups, as they had been 
almost every night since that Friday mishap. 

We knew full well what was the subject of their con- 


GHOSTS . 


6 


versation or discussion, whichever it might be called, and, 
wearied with the theme, we continued on to the spar-deck, 
not minded to hear for the hundredth time what fate 
befell this craft or that, to whose crew had been given 
an omen similar to the one which came to us shortly after 
leaving Salem. 

Only a small portion of the watch on duty were awake. 
There was nothing to be done, and the majority of the 
men, wearied with the work of the day, were taking 
advantage of every opportunity for cat -naps, when the 
officers’ backs were turned. 

Simon and I, new to the duty of caring for prisoners, 
were heavy-hearted because of the suffering which we 
knew the poor fellows were enduring, and felt no desire 
for slumber. Indeed, had we been so minded, there was 
nothing to have prevented our turning in at that moment, 
since we were no longer forced to serve with either watch, 
save at such times as all hands might be called. 

Just abaft the mizzenmast was our favourite lounging- 
place at such times, and there we went on this night, 
thinking only of those whom we had left in the ship’s 
hold, forgetting, for the time being, the evil predictions of 
Master Josh and his messmates. 

I was not conscious of gazing in any one direction. In 
fact, there was nothing to be seen. Owing to the gloom, 
the men, as they moved listlessly about, appeared to be 
faint shadows rather than human beings, and the air was 
so light that we failed to distinguish the break of foam, 
as the waves swept either side our craft. 


62 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


It was as if we were motionless, save for the lazy swell 
on which the ship rose and fell so gently that one was 
hardly conscious of any movement. 

Simon and I were speaking of what had been told us 
by one of the prisoners, who, three years before, had been 
taken out of a British merchantman by one of the king’s 
ships. 

We discussed the injustice of thus making slaves of 
free men, and unconsciously, perhaps because of the quiet 
everywhere around, our voices sank into whispers. 

Then it was that suddenly I saw rising out from the 
forecastle hatchway a white mass. 

I failed to distinguish any semblance of a human form, 
and yet, even in the darkness could see that this — what- 
ever it might be — occupied no more space than would 
have been taken up by a man’s body. 

Fear seized upon me at once, but even in my terror 
and bewilderment, I wondered how it was possible for 
me thus plainly to discern anything at such a distance, 
while the darkness was so dense as to prevent my seeing 
members of the watch standing near at hand. 

Just for an instant I fancied myself the victim of a 
delusion ; but as I sat bolt upright, gazing forward with 
my very heart in my eyes, Simon Ropes grasped me by 
the arm nervously, yet firmly. 

Then I knew that he had seen the same shape, and was 
no less alarmed than I. 

An exclamation of fear from out the darkness, twenty 
paces or more away, told that we two were not the only 





“SUDDENLY I SAW, RISING OUT FROM THE FORECASTLE HATCH 

WAY, A WHITE MASS.” 






















































GHOSTS. 63 

ones who had seen this strange sight, and immediately 
came a hail from the quarter-deck : 

“ Who’s that yelling like a baby ? ” 

“ Its me ; Tim Stubbs.” 

“ What’s the matter ? ” 

“ There’s a ghost, sir, come out of the forecastle hatch.” 

“ Have you turned fool ? ” the officer asked, angrily, 
and I dimly understood that it was Mr. Fernald, the 
second mate, who was speaking. 

“ It’s a ghost all the same, sir,” the man replied, in 
quavering tones, while at that moment the shape, or what- 
ever it might be, seemed to fade away, and on the instant 
was gone. 

“ It is out of sight now, sir,” some one shouted from 
near the foremast ; “ but it was a ghost all the same, an’ 
that I’ll swear to ! ” 

“ Get below there, Stubbs, an’ see who’s trying to make 
a fool of you,” Mr. Fernald cried, whereat the sailor 
slouched slowly off, muttering to himself, and I knew full 
well that if any search was to be made Tim Stubbs would 
not be the one to conduct it. 

Immediately the apparition, if so it can be called, had 
vanished, one could hear from this point and that on deck 
the voices of the men in hoarse whispers or mutterings, 
thus showing that nearly all of the watch had seen the 
singular thing. 

Mr. Fernald most likely understood that the discipline 
of the ship depended upon putting an end to any such 
fancy as that we had a ghost aboard. 


64 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


Not contenting himself with having ordered Stubbs 
below, he ran forward at full speed, calling loudly for a 
lantern as he dropped through the forecastle hatch. 

I doubt if a single member of the watch followed him. 

There had been so much talk of omens and signs since 
the first Friday that the minds of the men were in good 
condition to believe whatsoever smacked of the super- 
stitious, and at the moment — ay, for many a long day 
afterward — I was firmly convinced that the form which 
had risen through the hatchway was not of this earth. 

What with the shouting of the mate, his rapid footsteps 
on the deck as he ran forward, and the muttering of the 
men, no little disturbance was created, thanks to the still- 
ness of the night, and while Simon and I crouched abaft 
the mizzenmast, not daring to so much as speak, we heard 
Captain Ropes’s voice as he came up from the cabin : 

“What’s goin’ on here?” he asked of the helmsman, 
and the latter replied, as if giving the most commonplace 
information : 

“There’s a bloomin’ ghost for’ard, sir, an’ the second 
officer’s gone to catch him.” 

The captain gave vent to an exclamation of impatience, 
and striding to the break of the quarter-deck, he shouted : 

“ Forward there ! ” 

“ Ay, ay, sir,” came from a dozen voices. 

“ What’s the cause of this disturbance ? ” 

“There’s a ghost in the forecastle, sir.” 

I heard the captain literally snort as he smothered an 
exclamation of anger, and a moment later he asked : 


GHOSTS. 


65 


" Where is Mr. Fernald?” 

“ Gone after the ghost, sir.” 

“ What do you mean by that ? ” was the angry 
question. 

“There was a big something white popped up out of 
the fo’castle, sir, an’ it smelled like a graveyard.” 

“ There was regular fire come out of its face,” another 
added, whose imagination was more vivid. 

“ Let’s go back an’ tell father what we’ve seen,” Simon 
whispered to me, and I caught at the suggestion eagerly, 
anxious to hear what explanation the captain might make 
of the strange thing which had appeared to us. 

Silently as possible, lest the men should think we were 
gone aft talebearing, the lad and I moved back to the 
break of the quarter-deck, and were close at the captain’s 
feet before he observed us. 

“ Who is that ? ” he asked, peering down, and Simon 
replied : 

“ It’s me, father, and Nathan Crowninshield. We saw 
what the man called a ghost, and were frightened by it.” 

“ Then you had best go ashore when next we make 
port, an’ say that you are not fitted for sailormen,” the 
captain cried, sharply. “ Are you all turned fools that a 
shadow shall persuade you there’s a ghost aboard ? ” 

“ It was not a shadow, sir,” I made bold to say. 
“ Simon and I were sitting just abaft the mizzenmast, 
and I saw something white rise out of the forecastle 
hatchway, even before any one spoke. Then it disap- 
peared as the men began calling one to another.” 


66 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


“ What was it like ? ” the captain asked, with a scornful 
laugh. 

“ Like nothing, sir,” Simon replied. “ It was simply a 
white shape, but there was no fire about it, as one of the 
men has stated, neither did I detect any odour.” 

“ Of course you didn’t, because there was nothing in 
the hatchway. Most likely it was a reflection of the 
canvas.” 

“ How could there be a reflection on a night like this, 
sir ? ” a voice asked from out the darkness. “ This 
’ere is worse than a fog-storm for smother, an’ if them as 
were amidships saw something come out of the fore-hatch- 
way, it is more than could be done if one of the crew was 
nearabout there.” 

All this was truth, as I realised on the instant. 

Strain my eyes as I might, it was impossible to see the 
figure of the speaker, and yet I knew full well that the 
white form in the hatchway had loomed up clearly, not 
indistinctly, as it would seem should be the case if it were 
a gleam from a piece of canvas. 

Before the captain could reply to the sailor, Mr. Fernald 
came aft carrying a lighted lantern, and Simon’s father 
asked, impatiently : 

“ Well, what did you find ? ” 

“ Nothing, sir. I reckon some of the men must have 
been playing pranks.” 

“ They will have cause to regret anything of the kind, 
if I can catch them at it,” the captain said, angrily, and 
then, wheeling about, went straight into the cabin, followed 


GHOSTS. 


67 


by the second officer, who doubtless understood, as did I, 
that Simon’s father preferred the report should be made 
where none of the crew might overhear. 

Once the two officers left the deck, it was as if every 
man’s tongue had suddenly been unloosed, and the watch 
below, most likely disturbed by the running about, came 
pouring up to learn the cause of the unusual noise. 

Then it was we learned the result of the second officer’s 
search. 

Some of the men had seen him come down with the 
lantern and search about the gun-deck, but it was certain 
he failed to find anything. 

Now it can well be fancied into what a state of excite- 
ment we were plunged, Simon and I among the others. 

Those who had clung to the belief that the carrying 
away of the topmast was an omen of ill fortune declared 
the apparition in white to be a second warning, and I 
question if there was a man forward of the cabin who 
did not feel decidedly uneasy in mind. 

It was nearly morning before Simon and I could com- 
pose ourselves sufficiently to turn in, and when, after a 
short time of slumber broken by most disagreeable dreams, 
I leaped out of the swinging bed, it was only to find 
the men in such a mental condition as it is difficult to 
describe. 

The crew of the America , who had deemed themselves 
a fit match for twice their number of Britishers, were 
vanquished by a defective spar, and a something the 
character of which I could not then decide upon. 


68 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


Nor was it possible for Simon and I to laugh at their 
fears. 

We knew full well that there had been a form in the 
hatchway which showed itself even amid the gloom, and 
no one could give it a name. 

Perhaps, if Mr. Fernald had not made an immediate 
search, we might have persuaded ourselves that some one 
of the crew had been playing a trick ; but as it was, there 
had not been sufficient time elapse from the vanishing of 
the apparition until the first officer went below with the 
lantern for any mischief-maker to have concealed himself. 

It is not my intention to make any attempt at setting 
down here all that was said on the subject during the day. 
There is not time enough in my life to write all the fool- 
ishness I heard before nightfall. 

Both my comrade and myself had given little heed to 
the carrying away of the topmast on Friday ; but the 
whiteness in the hatchway was something which disturbed 
us greatly, and I literally trembled when we were forced 
to go into the dark hold to feed the prisoners. 

The day passed without mishap or important event, 
however. 

From the officers we heard nothing whatsoever con- 
cerning the matter, and the men talked about it altogether 
too much to please me. 

We saw no sail during this day, and when night came 
the ship was bowling along before a six-knot breeze, which 
should have blown from our minds all the fancies that 
had taken possession of them. 


GHOSTS. 69 

But the darkness found us one and all more given, 
over to superstitious fears than before. 

Both watches remained on deck, and I knew that not a 
man loitered below, unless he took especial precautions to 
hide himself, for when Simon and I came up from our 
task in the hold, no person could be seen on the gun-deck. 

From the eldest to the youngest they shunned the 
darkness, and seemed to believe safety could be found 
only in the open air. 

Simon and I, having discussed the singular subject during 
the day until we were sick and tired of it, were stretched at 
full length just under the break of the quarter, amidships, 
listening to the buzz of voices around us, and hearing now 
and then a hum of conversation from the officers aft, who 
were pacing to and fro in couples, as if fearing that this 
new phase of affairs might breed trouble. 

It was a time when one would say the most adroit 
could not play a trick, and yet suddenly, as distinctly as 
if the words had been bawled through a speaking-trumpet, 
came the cry : 

“ Put back ! The cruise is ended ! ” 

For a single instant after the words rang out clear and 
sharp, not a sound could be heard save the seething waves 
as the stem of the ship divided them, or the whistling of 
the wind amid canvas and cordage. 

Then came a quick, angry cry from the captain : 

“ Let every man come aft ! Every one of you ! We’ll 
break up this tomfoolery before I’m many hours older ! ” 

It was much as if the crew were eager to obey the 


.70 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


order, and in a twinkling the ship was crowded near 
the break of the quarter, until Simon and I were like to 
be trodden upon. 

Then came a command which we could not hear, and 
immediately afterward the second and third officers went 
forward. 

I understood full well that the captain counted on find- 
ing some one skulking forward, who was trying to work 
upon the fears of the men, which had been aroused by the 
apparition of the night previous. 

However, in case the officers failed to find any one 
nearabout the hatchway from which the voice seemed to 
come, it would hardly be a fair test, since any one of those 
forward might have spoken the words, although not with- 
out having been detected by some of his companions. 

At all events, the search was carried on evidently with 
great care, for fully fifteen minutes elapsed before the two 
officers reappeared, and meanwhile Simon and I, being 
sorely crowded against the break of the quarter, had 
made bold to clamber up, by the aid of the men, until we 
could sit upon the edge of the deck. 

We were not more than six feet distant from Captain 
Ropes when the officers made their report, and I distinctly 
heard Mr. Fernald say : 

“We found nothing, sir. There is not a man below 
save those in the hold who are guarding the prisoners.” 

“ Where are the cooks ? ” the captain cried. 

“ Here, sir ! Here, sir ! Here, sir ! ” came from as 
many different points amid the throng. 


GHOSTS. 


71 


“Divide your watches, Mr. Fernald! Let us see who 
is skulking ! ” the captain added, a moment later. 

Those belonging to the starboard watch were sent to 
the starboard side, and those in the port watch, opposite, 
until the men were ranged in double lines from the quar- 
ter-deck forward, Simon and I taking our places with the 
rest, after which the captain and Mr. Fernald made a tour 
of inspection. 

This investigation did not please Simon’s father, as was 
shown when it had come to an end, and he called for us 
two lads to follow him with lanterns, while Mr. Fernald 
was to write down each man’s name as he stood in line. 

In this manner, after considerable time had been spent, 
a list of the crew was written out, including the helms- 
man, who, as a matter of course, had not left his station. 

Then we went below ; found the guards on duty, and 
added their names to the list. 

This done, the captain went on deck, and after he had 
counted the written names, as I knew because Simon and 
I held the lanterns that he might see clearly, he advanced 
to the break of the quarter, and said : 

“ It is clear to me, my men, that there is some one on 
board bent upon doing a mischief. You from Massa- 
chusetts have heads too hard to believe that there may 
be such things as ghosts who show themselves in the 
darkness and shout with human voices. It is not neces- 
sary for me to tell you, as I would children, that such 
things are impossible, — that one who has left this world 
has no desire to return. It would be a foolish sailorman 


72 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


who, having gotten into a better place, should care to 
come back, particularly on board ship. I repeat that 
some one of you is trying to do a mischief, and warn all 
hands that before many hours have passed I will discover 
the offender. Then you may be certain there will be such 
punishment dealt out as won’t soon be forgotten. If, how- 
ever, the guilty man chooses now to acknowledge what is 
little less than a crime, he shall be forgiven ; but let him 
hold his peace five minutes longer, and he will wish he had 
never shipped on board the America .” 

The captain paused as if really expecting that some 
member of the crew would step forward and acknowledge 
that he had played the part of ghost ; but not a man 
moved. 

I saw the old shell-backs look curiously at each other, 
some of them with an expression on their faces which told 
plainly that, unless the ghost himself came forward, the 
captain would gain no 1 information. 

Well, Simon’s father waited while one might have 
counted twenty, and then said, in a voice which was far 
from firm, because of the efforts to control his anger : 

“The starboard watch may go below, and since it is a 
pleasure for some one here to act the part of ghost, I will 
see to it that he is converted into one before four and 
twenty hours have passed ! Unless you were all old 
women, there would be no necessity for any words. You 
would know full well how ridiculous all this flummery is ; 
but since you have turned women and are ready to tremble 
at the lightest sound, declaring it comes from another 


GHOSTS. 


73 


world, I will see to it the offender is brought up with a 
round turn. In addition, I’ll give that man who talks too 
much about this foolishness a round dozen by way of 
reminding him that there’s nothing ghostly in the lash of 
the cat. Now get below ! ” 

The starboard watch obeyed on the instant, and Simon 
and I, thinking it might not be well to loiter on deck while 
the captain was in such a temper, followed them. 


CHAPTER V. 


THE PRISONERS. 

T HAVE made an attempt at describing the general 
situation on board the America while her crew had 
nothing more alarming to wag their tongues over than 
the carrying away of the topmast, but have spent my 
time in vain trying to show how they twisted that mis- 
hap into the ugliest kind of an omen. 

Previous to the appearance of the supposed ghost, it 
seemed as if the conduct of the crew could not be more 
mutinous unless, indeed, they had risen with deadly intent 
against their officers ; but now we two came to under- 
stand that the former condition of affairs was as nothing 
compared with the present. 

Then the men had no more weighty subject for conver- 
sation than something which was really not out of the 
common, unless one chose to so twist it in his mind, and 
there remained ample opportunity for argument and indi- 
vidual belief. 

Now, however, the situation was changed. 

There was no opportunity for argument as to what had 
been seen and heard, since every man Jack of us could do 
no less than give the same evidence. 


74 


THE PRISONERS . 


75 


It was no longer an omen which might be construed 
equally well to mean good or evil ; but a fact, to which the 
officers could testify as well as the men. 

When the starboard watch gained the gun-deck, after 
having been so soundly rated by the captain, it was as if 
each man was paralysed with fear by that mysterious 
thing which had come upon us. 

During many moments no one spoke. Each seemed 
to be waiting for the other, and not daring to venture 
a remark until the conversation had been opened. 

Those cf the men whose hammocks were slung well 
forward clustered aft, where some of the elder members 
of the watch were lighting their pipes preparatory to a 
smoking-match, when, as we lads knew full well, all the 
occurrences of the evening would be discussed. 

None of the crew appeared willing to remain in the 
vicinity of the forward hatchway, and more than one sat 
facing aft, lest there might yet be some horrible thing to 
be seen in the bow of the ship. 

During this time of silence the thought came to me 
suddenly that Captain Ropes himself must have been in 
a certain degree impressed by the voice, else would he 
have tried to convince the men that it was nothing super- 
natural, instead of railing at them as he did. 

The mind of a sailorman can be coaxed into almost 
whatsoever channel you will ; but it is not often possible 
to force it. 

Simon remained very near my side, and I was truly 
thankful that he did so, because it seemed to me as if 


y6 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

I really needed close contact with some human being 
upon whom I could rely, in order to aid me in warding off 
the terrible thing which appeared to threaten all on board. 

When the men’s tongues were finally loosened, there 
was no loud talking, no angry exclamations, no vehement 
putting forth of this or that opinion ; all hands were sub- 
dued and solemn as though taking part in some religious 
service the precise nature of which they did not under- 
stand, and throughout the entire night — for no man so 
much as dreamed of turning in — never a voice was raised 
to a high key. 

Even Master Josh, who ordinarily felt bound to make 
himself heard from one end of the gun-deck to the other 
whenever he put forth an opinion, was as low- voiced as 
any woman, and failed to assert the authority which he 
usually claimed belonged to him by virtue of age and 
experience. 

I might fill many pages while attempting to describe 
the scene which was presented by the starboard watch 
during the time allotted it below, and afterward by those 
of the port watch when they came off duty, and yet not 
succeed in portraying the situation as it really presented 
itself to Simon and me. 

Therefore I will make no further effort at picturing it ; 
but content myself by saying that it was as fearsome a 
night as I have ever experienced, and since that day both 
Simon and I have been in some exceedingly painful situa- 
tions. 

There were two facts prominent in the minds of all. 


THE PRISONERS. 


77 


First, that some ghostly visitor had come aboard, and sec- 
ond, that it was necessary for the safety of all the America 
be immediately steered on a direct course for home. 

On these two points there was no difference of opinion ; 
but concerning the outcome many were disposed to take 
the most gloomy view. 

I believe of a verity that a full half of the crew were 
convinced we should never see port again ; that the ship 
and all on board were doomed beyond the shadow of hope. 

With such ideas in their minds, the men were in a most 
dangerous frame of mind. 

But few words were needed to bring about a veritable 
mutiny, and had a single one of them offered himself as 
leader, I have no question but that an attempt would have 
been made, within the hour, to force Captain Ropes to do 
the bidding of those who should have obeyed him. 

One can well fancy how much blood would have been 
spilled in event of an uprising, and, bearing this evident 
fact in mind, it is not difficult to image the feelings of 
Simon and myself as we stood betwixt that most terrible 
tragedy of the sea — a mutiny — and the approaching doom 
foretold by the ghostly visitor. 

As I have said, no man occupied his hammock that 
night, and those who had not remained on deck during the 
entire time of darkness sought the open air with the first 
dawning of day. 

As may be expected, Simon and I followed them, for we 
were not minded to remain alone on the gun-deck, where 
it was yet dark, and I looked forward with dread to the 


78 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


hour when we must go into the hold to carry the prisoners’ 
food. 

Captain Ropes and his officers must have been well 
aware of the dangerous condition of mind into which the 
men were fallen, for no less than three paced the quarter- 
deck constantly, and when an order was given they took 
extra care that it should be obeyed promptly, as if fearing 
lest the first indication of such delay as might be counted 
for insubordination should prove to be the match that 
exploded a magazine of fear and passion. 

I observed, too, that all the officers carried their side- 
arms as they would have done on the eve of an engage- 
ment, and they kept vigilant watch upon every one of us. 

As a matter of course, it would have been impossible to 
prevent the men from talking among themselves ; but I 
noticed that, when there was any disposition on the part of 
the crew to gather into little groups, some order was given 
which would necessitate their separation, and much use- 
less work laid out as if for no other purpose than to keep 
our time fully occupied. 

It was like unto standing upon the summit of a volcano 
which threatens to belch forth flame and death at any in- 
stant, and the minutes were to me as hours. 

Then the word was passed from the cook-house that 
breakfast for the prisoners had been made ready, and 
Simon and I went very unwillingly to take charge of it. 

It was evident that even we two lads would not be 
allowed to loiter in our work, for Mr. Fernald called sharply 
after us, as we were going slowly forward : 


THE PRISONERS. 79 

“ Bear a hand there, lads ! There is to be no sodgerin’ 
this mornin’ ! ” 

We quickened our pace, Simon whispering to me, as we 
did so : 

“ I wonder if he would step out lively in case it was his 
duty to go below alone.” 

“He did last night, when all the money in the world 
wouldn’t have tempted me to drop through the fore- 
hatch.” 

“ That was because he had to do so, or own himself a 
coward before the captain.” 

“And we are in exactly the same plight,” I said, tak- 
ing heart as he grew timid. “While it is a fact that I’m 
afraid to go below, I’d give up all my share of prize-money 
rather than let Mr. Fernald understand exactly what is in 
my mind.” 

Like all imaginary dangers, this venturing into the hold 
of the ship amounted to nothing, and when we were come 
to the prison, which on board vessels is called the “brig,” 
I breathed more freely, for, having once descended through 
the hatch where had appeared the apparition, courage 
began to return. 

The sailors who had acted as guard during the night 
welcomed our coming, and went on deck as soon as might 
be, eager to learn the cause of the disturbance during the 
evening previous. 

We two lads were now in charge of the Britishers, and, 
save when they were taken on deck for exercise, would be 
held responsible for their safety until night came once more. 


8o 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


We served out the food as usual, and while doing so it 
appeared to me as if one man was presenting himself a 
second time for the allowance, whereupon I asked : 

“Were you not the third in line when we began to 
serve breakfast ? ” 

“ If I had been you wouldn’t see me here now, because 
I’d be workin’ my jaws over the scanty allowance.” 

“There is nothing scanty about it,” Simon cried, indig- 
nantly. “ You are receiving the same amount of food as 
does any member of our crew.” 

“Well, I’m not grumbling except you are trying to 
cheat me out of my portion,” the man said, half apologeti- 
cally, and without further ado I handed him a pannikin, 
for we carried each man’s allowance in a separate dish, to 
the end that the stronger might not take advantage of the 
weaker, saying to myself as I did so : 

“If that fellow has been served, as I fancy, we shall 
come out short before all are fed.” 

A moment later it appeared that I had wronged the 
man, for nineteen pannikins had been passed into the brig, 
which was exactly the number necessary if each prisoner 
was to receive one. 

Even with this proof I felt puzzled, for it surely seemed 
as if one man had gotten a double allowance, and, without 
really intending to do so, I counted the prisoners as they 
were squatting here or there busily engaged with the meal. 

There were but eighteen. 

Again I counted, arriving at the same conclusion. 

It did not seem possible one man alone could have 


THE PRISONERS. 


8 I 


escaped, for if such an opportunity had presented itself, 
why did not some of the others take advantage of it. And 
yet where was this nineteenth prisoner ? 

On board the ship, as a matter of course. 

Therefore, so I argued to myself quickly, if there had 
been an escape, it must have occurred after Mr. Fernald 
searched the ship on the evening previous, when was heard 
that strange voice, and yet the door of the brig was 
securely fastened, while two men had, supposedly, kept 
watch all night. 

Now it came to me that I might be mistaken, although 
that was hardly probable, and beckoning to Simon to come 
aft with me to such a distance from the prisoners that the 
words could not be overheard, I asked him the question : 

“ How many prisoners did we take from the James and 
Charlotte ? ” 

“Twelve all told,” he replied. “Eleven came down 
here, and the captain went into the cabin.” 

“ How many came to us from the Benjamin ? ” 

“Eight, and they are all here.” 

« That should make nineteen,” I repeated half to myself. 

« Ay, of course it does. What have you in your head 
now ? ” 

“ Go and count the Britishers.” 

“ I can do that as I stand here,” and Simon commenced, 
stopping when he had ended with eighteen, and beginning 
over again. 

“Is there one missing ? ” he asked, as if doubting the 
evidence of his own senses. 


82 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA . 


Well, we puzzled over that matter half an hour or more, 
examining every portion of the brig without allowing the 
prisoners to understand what we were about, and it was 
impossible to arrive at any other conclusion. 

There were but eighteen men in the brig, and yet the 
prison remained as it ever had been, so secure that any- 
thing larger than a cat could not have gotten out. 

Then we went aft a short distance, to discuss the 
matter, and Simon repeated again and again this question : 

“What could it advantage a man to escape from the 
brig, in case an opportunity presented itself ? By so doing 
he would shut himself off from taking exercise in the open 
air once a day, and stand a chance of getting mighty 
hungry.” 

“ Now I am positive that the fellow to whom I spoke 
took two allowances.” 

“ How can it avail the man who is free, if there be one 
outside ? With a guard kept night and day, nothing could 
be passed out from the brig.” 

I failed to answer his question, yet the fact remained 
that, apparently, one of the prisoners was missing, and 
lest we should have made a mistake in supposing nineteen 
had been confined in the brig, I proposed to go quietly on 
deck and ask some one of the men the same questions I 
had asked Simon. 

He, however, refused to be left alone, and I did not 
count him a coward because of his fears. 

What with the apparition and ghostly voice, and the 
possibility that a Britisher might be roaming around the 


THE PRISONERS. 


83 


hold ready to make an attempt in case a single sentinel 
should be left on duty, it was by no means cheerful to 
take one’s chances alone. 

Those sailors who had been acting as guard during the 
night left their muskets, when they went on deck, ac- 
cording to custom, nearabout the ladder leading to the 
gun-deck, in case we might need them. 

Heretofore the weapons had remained undisturbed, 
because while the door of the brig was firmly secured it 
did not seem as if we had any use for them. 

Now, however, I armed myself with a musket, Simon 
doing the same, and once more we retired out of ear-shot 
for consultation. 

There was in my mind a very well-defined idea that we 
should, without delay, acquaint the captain of our dis- 
covery, and yet I was eager to first avoid the possibility 
of a mistake by questioning some of the men as to the 
number of prisoners we had taken aboard, lest we be 
laughed at for entertaining cowardly fears. 

My mind was in such a whirl, what with one thing and 
another happening during the past four and twenty hours, 
that I was not willing to accept as evidence the fact that 
the cooks had filled nineteen pannikins with food. 

I suggested as much to Simon, whereupon he declared 
that nothing would induce him to remain in the hold 
alone ; but that if I was so eager the matter be settled at 
once, he would go on deck, leaving me to stand guard. 

Then I suddenly came to the conclusion that no great 
harm could be done, at least during this forenoon when 


8 4 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


we were keeping careful watch, and it might be as well 
that we wait until the prisoners were taken out for exer- 
cise. 

The Britishers must have understood that there was 
something unusual in the wind, for it had been our custom 
to pass the time in conversation with them, whereas we 
now held ourselves aloof, not even offering to tell them 
what the weather might be. 

They talked in low tones among themselves for awhile, 
and finally one called out : 

“ What was the rumpus last night ? ” 

“ How did you know there was any ? ” I asked, think- 
ing to learn how much they had heard. 

“ A man would need to be both blind and deaf who 
couldn’t understand something was wrong when all hands 
were runnin’ back an’ forth. One of the officers came 
down here and searched the hold as if he’d lost his prize- 
money.” 

“ It seems you know more about it than we do, for I 
could not have said the hold was searched last night.” 

“ It may have been that your mate was on a tour of 
inspection ; but at all events he gave this part of the 
craft a pretty thorough overhauling. Did anything go 
wrong ? ” 

I was not minded that the prisoners should know in 
what condition was our crew, lest, if a favourable oppor- 
tunity presented itself, they might think it possible to rise 
against us successfully, although it would have been a 
ridiculous notion for eighteen men, unarmed, to attack 


THE PRISONERS. 85 

one hundred and fifty, with all the weapons on the ship at 
their disposal. 

Therefore I refused to answer the question by holding 
my peace, and, most likely understanding that there was 
some good reason for my silence, the Britishers gave over 
questioning. 

The time had come when a half a dozen or more of our 
men should come down to take the prisoners on deck for 
exercise, and when they arrived I was resolved to ask that 
some of them act in our stead while we went aft for an 
interview with the captain. 

We waited impatiently, Simon and I both puzzling our 
brains over the supposed fact that one of the Britishers 
was missing, at the same time that we speculated with 
fear upon the events of the previous evening. 

The hours passed, and no one came to our relief. 

The unfortunate men, whose only pleasure, I might 
almost say comfort, consisted in an hour spent in the 
open air, began to complain bitterly, and ask us again and 
again why the necessary exercise was forbidden them. 

“ We have no reason to suppose that you will not be 
taken on deck,” Simon said, petulantly, after the question 
had been asked a dozen times. “ Unless there may be a 
chance of taking another prize, some of the crew must 
surely be here very soon.” 

These words of my comrade served to explain to my 
satisfaction why we had been left so long alone. 

Beyond a question something had come in sight, and 
the America was in close pursuit, which would explain 


86 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA . 


why the Britishers were denied their brief time of com- 
parative liberty. 

It seemed to me as if it must be two or three hours 
past noon, when a voice from the hatch which led into 
the hold cried out : 

“ Here’s your grub, lads ! Come up an’ get it ! ” 

Quickly I ran to the foot of the ladder, shouting Mr. 
Fernald’s name at the full strength of my lungs, for 
although it seemed impossible one of the mates would 
have performed such a task as bringing food from the 
galley, the voice sounded strangely like his. 

No reply was received to my outcries, and when I 
gained the top of the ladder the gun-deck was deserted. 

Nearby the hatchway were the pannikins of food ; but 
I gave no heed to them as I stood gazing around me, 
rapidly giving way to fear and apprehension. 

“ What’s the matter ? ” Simon cried, coming hurriedly 
to the foot of the ladder. 

“ That’s what I don’t know. Here are the prisoners’ 
dinners, and yet no one has come to relieve us.” 

In silence, and like two stupids, I stood at the top and 
he at the foot of the ladder, gazing at each other in what 
was very like terror, and then, understanding that we were 
giving the Britishers an exhibition of cowardice, I said, 
sharply : 

“ If they have neglected us, it is no reason why we 
should not do our duty. Stand by to take this grub, and 
I’ll pass it down.” 

Simon obeyed, and when all the panriikins were ranged 



«‘WE don’t count on giving a double portion to any one 

OF YOU THIS NOON.’ ” 





THE PRISONERS. 87 

in front of the brig ready for distribution, I came below, 
saying to the prisoners as I did so : 

*“ We don’t count on giving a double portion to any one 
of you this noon, so form in line and hold your pannikins 
in plain sight until all are delivered.” 

There was in front of the brig a small bar which, on 
being removed, gave an aperture sufficiently large to pass 
in food or water, and through this the prisoners were 
served. 

As a matter of course, there was one pannikin left after 
each man had gotten his portion, and I fancied all the 
Britishers looked grievously disappointed because we had 
thus been careful in the distribution of food. 

“ What are we to do with this one ? ” Simon asked, 
lifting the remaining dish. 

“ I reckon we had better divide what is in it, for it 
seems much as if we had been forgotten this day.” 

“ But surely they count on relieving us for a time.” 

“ They haven’t done so as yet, and whoever > brought 
the grub was in a tremendous hurry.” 

“ What do you suppose can be happening on deck ? ” 
the lad asked, in a whisper, and I, rendered irritable 
because a similar question was in my own mind, causing 
me decided fear, replied, sharply : 

“ What good can come of our speculating about matters 
on deck ? We have been set to this work, and should be 
men enough to take what comes, or get along on what fails 
us, without grumbling.” 

“It must be they have sighted a Britisher, and are 


88 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


giving chase,” the lad said, as if trying by thus speaking 
to persuade himself such was the case, while I, now 
become a prey to gloomy fears, said, without believing 
what I spoke : 

“That must be the reason why whoever brought the 
grub was in such a hurry to get on deck again.” 

This reply appeared to satisfy Simon ; but I was very 
near to believing that the Americas crew had broken forth 
in open mutiny. 


CHAPTER VI. 


A STERN CHASE. 

AT TE two lads were given over to fear and anxiety, as 

* T the hours went by and no one came to relieve us. 

We had partially satisfied our hunger with the contents 
of the nineteenth pannikin, and had plenty of water close 
at hand with which to quench our thirst ; but even though 
we had suffered for both these necessaries, it would have 
been as nothing compared to the distress of mind while 
imagining that the worst might be happening on deck. 

The prisoners must have understood, both because they 
had not been taken out for exercise and owing to our 
being thus neglected, that something serious was in the 
wind. 

For a time they plied us with questions, and then, 
realising that we either could or would not afford them 
any satisfaction, gave over the attempt. 

I fancied they appeared disturbed, as if it were possible 
to guess somewhat of the situation, and I also wondered if 
there were really another man, who, having by some 
mysterious means gotten out of the brig, lurked about 
near at hand ready to do whatsoever he might toward 
releasing his comrades. 


89 


90 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA . 


Before noon we understood that the wind was increasing 
in force, for the ship plunged into the deeps of the waves 
and clambered up again in such manner as told that she 
was labouring heavily. 

Other than by the motion of the craft it was impossible 
to even guess what might be going on above, save that we 
might be in pursuit of an enemy. 

We knew full well our crew was so strong in numbers 
that a dozen men might have been spared, even in the 
midst of the most furious tempest, to relieve us for at 
least so long as would be necessary to get our dinner. 

Because of our mental anxiety, it was impossible to 
form any fair idea regarding the passage of time ; but it 
seemed to me as if the night must have come, when 
Simon said, in a whisper, his voice quavering wofully : 

“ Would you be willing to stay here alone, while I went 
on deck to learn what may be happening ? ” 

“ It seems positive one of the prisoners is outside the 
brig, and it might be that, when there was only a single 
boy on guard, he would make an attempt at setting his 
comrades free,” I replied, rejoicing that I had so valid an 
excuse to give ; for, of a verity, I should have been in sore 
distress at being forced to remain there alone, even though 
all the Britishers were safe within the prison. 

“ I would give much to know why they have seemingly 
forgotten us,” the lad said, with a long-drawn sigh. 

“Then stay here, and I’ll find out in a twinkling.” 

“ If it is dangerous for you to be here alone, surely I 
should not be asked to take the chances.” 


A STERN CHASE. 


91 


“ I’m not asking you ; but simply showing how we may 
learn what has happened.” 

“Some one must come in course of time, no matter how 
much mischief has been done, and perhaps it is just as 
well if we wait patiently,” he said* with an effort to speak 
in a cheery strain, and at that instant I could have cried 
aloud with joy, for the gleam of dull light from the hatch- 
way was shut off by the figure of a man. 

It was Tim Stubbs, who had come thus tardily to our 
relief, and I dare venture to say he was never before 
greeted so warmly or heartily. 

Both us lads ran toward him, laying hold of his gar- 
ments before he could descend the ladder, as if we feared 
he might reconsider his purpose of paying us a visit. 

“ Had quite a long spell of standin’ watch, eh, boys ? ” 
he cried, cheerily, glancing quickly around, to make certain 
all was well. 

“ We’ve been here all day, and the cooks have even 
forgotten to bring the prisoners’ supper. What is the 
matter?” I cried, impatiently. 

“ I reckon the Britishers can hold on till night before 
they howl for another feed.” 

“ Isn’t it dark yet ? ” Simon asked, in surprise. 

“ Dark, lad ? No, nor it won’t be for three or four 
hours. The crew have just been served with dinner. I 
got through with my share of the grub first, an’ slipped 

down here without orders, to see how you was cornin’ 

>> 

on. 

“ What has happened that you’ve been kept waiting so 


92 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


long for something to eat ? ” Simon cried, and I began to 
despair of getting any information from this sailor, who 
had stood our friend ever since we recovered from the 
attack of homesickness and seasickness. 

“ First an’ foremost, the wind got up a bit, all in a 
jump, an’ we had a lively job gettin’ the old hooker 
snugged down to it. Then we’d no more’n — ” 

“Have we run into another gale ? ” Simon interrupted. 

“ Well, lad, I allow we’ve got what you might call a 
leetle more’n half a full breeze, with the chances that 
there’ll be greater weight to the wind before mornin’.” 

“Was it so bad that, out of all the crew, none could 
come down here to relieve us a few moments ? ” I asked, 
irritably, for there was in my mind a sense of being 
needlessly neglected. 

“ Not exactly that, lad ; but we’d no sooner snugged 
her down in good shape, when a Britisher heaves in 
sight. Nothin’ would satisfy the old man but that we 
must shake two reefs out of the topsails, an’ set the main- 
topgallant sail. It wasn’t what you might call easy work, 
an’, accordin’ to my thinkin’, we’re likely to carry away 
another spar before midnight.” 

“ And you’ve been at that work all day ? ” Simon cried, 
incredulously. 

“ Well, it amounts to that, for we’ve humped ourselves 
lively since the word was given to shorten sail, which 
didn’t come till nigh on to noon. The old man racked his 
brains all the mornin’ to find somethin’ to keep us busy, 
an’ you can make up your mind that there was no sod- 


A STERN CHASE. 93 

germ’ while he stumped the quarter-deck, lookin’ sour 
enough to shame vinegar.” 

“Why weren’t the prisoners taken on deck for exer- 
cise ? ” 

“ That’s a question the captain may best answer. All 
I can say is, that every man Jack of us has been on the 
clean jump since you came below. If the old man thinks 
he can work last night’s business out of our heads, he’s 
makin’ a big mistake. The port watch had no more’n got 
below than they fell to jawin’ about it livelier than ever. 
Josh Seabury says there’s a chance to save our lives if the 
America s course is changed right soon.” 

“You’ll hardly see the ship heading for home while 
there’s a Britisher in sight, and I should think the 
men would be ashamed to speak of such a possibility,” 
Simon cried, stoutly, and it was no more than right for 
him to say whatsoever he might by way of defending his 
father. 

“Well, the Britisher is in sight, an’ that’s about all 
you can say,” Tim Stubbs replied, reflectively. “ We’ve 
picked up somethin’ this time that ain’t to be overhauled 
in short order. It’s a question in my mind which craft 
is the best sailer. Both of ’em has the same rig, an’ it’s a 
toss-up whether we’re gainin’ ground or failin’ astern.” 

“ Are we carrying much sail ? ” Simon asked. 

“ You’ll think so when you look aloft. We’re dressed 
out in fine-weather style, with every rag tuggin’ at the 
spars fit to jump ’em clean out of the old hooker, even if 
they was the best timber ever cut. If the America holds 


94 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


all her sticks till mornin’, I’ll be willin’ to say that I didn’t 
hear any ghost’s voice last night, nor see a bit of white in 
the fore-hatchway.” 

“ Is it a ship we’re chasing ? ” I asked, with a view of 
preventing Stubbs from dwelling on that very disagreeable 
happening. 

“ Ay, lad, an’ a clipper. I counted that the America 
could outsail anything that ever floated ; but she’s come 
mighty nigh to meetin’ her match this time. I’ll venture 
to say there isn’t the difference of half a cable’s-length 
betwixt us and her, from what there was when she first 
hove in sight. She brought down a fog bank with her, 
an’ was showin’ topgallantsails when we sighted. It 
ain’t any two to one but that she carries as much metal 
as we, an’ even if we overhaul her, there won’t be any 
child’s play to follow.” 

“ If the Britisher is well armed, why should she run 
away ? ” Simon asked, now grown so interested in the 
chase that the fears which had assailed him were almost 
forgotten. 

“Most likely she can’t make up her mind how heavy we 
are, or she may have no stomach for a fight jest now ; but 
it’s certain that we won’t put a prize-crew on board, if it so 
be we overhaul her, which I misdoubt, without payin’ a 
good price for the privilege.” 

It can well be imagined that the prisoners were listening 
eagerly to all Stubbs was saying. 

We three had remained near the foot of the ladder, 
within four or five yards of the door of the brig, and the 


A STERN CEASE. 95 

sailor spoke in a tone so loud that they could not fail to 
catch every word. 

As I came suddenly to realise this once more, my 
thoughts went back to the fact that one of the men had 
succeeded in getting out of the prison, and straightway 
the desire to give such information to the captain or Mr. 
Fernald grew strong within me. v 

For an instant I made up my mind to explain the situ- 
ation to Stubbs, but checked myself as I came to under- 
stand that it was my duty to first make the captain 
acquainted with what we had learned. 

“ Is there any good reason why you can’t hold on here 
for a spell ? ” I asked, abruptly, interrupting the sailor as 
he was about to tell us more regarding the chase. 

“There’s no knowin’ when all hands may be called, an’ 
while the old man has got such a lively bee in his bonnet I 
wouldn’t like to be missin’ when wanted.” 

“ But it isn’t reasonable to keep us here all day on a 
stretch, without food, when there are so many aboard 
who must be idling,” I cried, hotly. 

“ I grant you that, lad ; but it’s the captain’s business 
to send orders that you be relieved.” 

“ If you’ll stand here five minutes, I’ll tell the captain 
what you are doing, and why we pressed you into service,” 
Simon said, eagerly, whereupon I, believing that one of 
the prisoners was probably lurking about close at hand 
ready for mischief, understood that it would not be safe 
for Stubbs to remain on duty alone unless we had first 
warned him of the possible danger. 


96 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


“ Stubbs shall stay here with me, and you may go on 
deck, Simon,” I cried, giving my comrade a look which I 
hoped he would understand as meaning that he was to 
acquaint his father with what we had learned. 

The lad nodded his head as if in reply to my glance, 
and, without waiting for the sailor’s permission, ran up 
the ladder at full speed. 

I asked Stubbs if the men still felt disturbed by last 
night’s occurrences, whereupon he replied, in a tone which 
plainly told that he thought me a simple for venturing 
such a question : 

“After you’ve seen a thing, an’ heard a thing speak, 
how’re you goin’ to get it out of your head, simply because 
the captain gives the command that you must ? We’ll 
allow that the carryin’ away of the topmast on a Friday 
didn’t signify nothin’, an’ that Josh Seabury is way off his 
reckonin’ when he holds that it was a warnin’ for us to 
bring this ’ere cruise to an end. That leaves us free an’ 
clear up to last night, when that bloomin’ thing popped 
out of the fore-hatchway. Now you’ll agree, as must 
every honest man, that shadows don’t show white, an’ 
stars can’t throw out any light when the mist covers 
’em entirely. It couldn’t be anything more or less than 
a ghost, lad.” 

“ But there are no such things, Stubbs ! ” I cried, hop- 
ing to convince myself by speaking in a loud tone. “No 
one but a foolish old shellback like Master Joshua would 
ever allow that there are ghosts.” 

“When you see a thing, you’re bound to believe in it, 


A STERN CHASE. 


97 


no matter what any one else may say,” the sailor replied, 
stubbornly. “But as Josh Seabury asks: Allowin’ that 
all hands of us fell to dreamin’, an’ neither you, nor me, 
nor the rest of the watch saw anything, what do you make 
of the order for us to put back to port ? Who or what 
was it yelled the words in sich a way as no livin’ man can 
yell, an’ what did the thing mean by sayin’ the cruise was 
ended ? ” 

It would have been better for my own peace of mind if 
I had not brought the conversation around to this point. 

Instead of convincing Stubbs there were no such things 
as .ghosts, he had, by repeating Master Joshua’s arguments, 
almost persuaded me that we had seen and heard a veri- 
table spirit, whose mission it was to warn us of impending 
danger. 

I fell silent, and the sailor began filling his pipe as he 
walked toward the prison, bent on holding friendly con- 
verse with those who, through the unlawful acts of the 
king, had unwittingly become our enemies. 

The Britishers questioned him eagerly concerning the 
chase, and he freely gave the desired information, dis- 
cussing with them the chances of overhauling the ship, 
which he appeared to consider were very slight. 

I did not care to listen, even though I burned to learn 
all that had taken place while Simon and I were forced to 
remain in the darkness. 

Talking with Stubbs concerning the events of the 
previous evening had aroused all my nervous fears, and 
I was quite prepared to believe that whosoever had es- 


9 8 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


caped from the brig was making ready to attack us, 
although what might have been gained if all the prisoners 
were at that moment released from the brig, I could not 
have explained. 

Standing with my back to the ladder lest some one might 
creep up from behind, and my musket ready for immediate 
use, I waited, feverishly impatient, for Simon’s return. 

He came after perhaps half an hour had passed, although 
the time seemed to me much longer than that, and I saw 
at once he had failed in his purpose. 

“You didn’t speak with your father!” I cried, in a 
tone of reproof, and indeed for the instant it was to me 
as if the lad had failed because of negligence. 

“ It couldn’t be done,” he said in a half-whisper. “ Word 
has been passed that none of the crew are to come aft even 
so far as the break of the deck, without being summoned, 
and the third officer stands there, holding for dear life on 
the mizzen-shrouds, lest the heavy waves sweep him over 
the rail, to stop any who dare make the venture.” 

“ I should have tried it at all hazards. There isn’t an 
officer on board who would have prevented you from gain- 
ing speech with your father.” 

“ That was what I believed, but soon learned my mis- 
take. The boatswain pulled me back, and when I told 
him that I must speak with the captain at once on im- 
portant business, he swore he’d put me in irons if I didn’t 
go forward.” 

“ What is the meaning of such orders ? ” I asked, 
indignantly, and Simon whispered in my ear : 

> v 

•} 


A STERN CEASE. 


99 


“ Master Joshua told me the port watch had sworn the 
ship should be put about without loss of time, and were 
making for the quarter-deck when the captain and two of 
the mates drove them back at the point of their pistols. 
It’s little less than mutiny, and the men openly admit as 
much.” 

“ But surely you wouldn’t be mistaken for a mutineer ! ” 

“ The third officer and the boatswain must obey orders, 
and you know full well that I don’t count as being the 
captain’s son while we’re members of the crew/’ 

Surely the situation must be serious if such precautions 
had been taken, and I said to myself that the cruise was 
indeed likely to be ended very shortly, omens or no omens, 
unless there was a speedy change in affairs. 

Then, after a pause, and rather for the sake of con- 
tinuing a conversation than because I had any real curi- 
osity regarding the matter, I asked : 

“ Did you see the Britisher ? ” 

“ Ay, and she’s staggering under the same canvas as 
we. It doesn’t seem possible either craft can stand up 
very long under such a press of sail. It is blowing a full 
gale ; our decks are awash, and the ship is burying herself 
to such an extent that every third or fourth wave sweeps 
over her from stem to stern. It’s enough to make a fellow 
turn pale with fear, to stand there five minutes watching 
the surge towering on either hand, ahead and astern, even 
above the mastheads. Twice, while trying to make my 
way aft, I was like to being washed overboard. Some 
of the men say that my father is doing his best to make 


100 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


good the words spoken by the ghost last night, for it 
surely seems as if the cruise would be ended very shortly.” 

Simon’s courage was no better than mine, and verily we 
were an unhappy pair. 

At that moment there came before my eyes a picture of 
the home in Salem where my mother awaited the return 
of her son, and I wondered why I should have been such 
a fool as ever to leave her when there was no real need 
for so doing. 

Then I bethought me of our own immediate trouble, 
and asked, angrily : 

“ Did you learn why we have been left here so long ? 
Are we to be starved ? ” 

“ I question much if those aft remember that we were 
left in charge of the prisoners, or, remembering it, if they 
suppose that we have not been relieved.” 

“If both watches have been kept on deck since day- 
light, who could have taken our places ? ” I cried, angrily. 

“ With a veritable mutiny on hand, a gale of wind, and 
a Britisher to be caught, we two lads don’t cut any great 
figure on board just at present,” Simon replied, with a 
faint smile, and then I understood that his heart was even 
more sore than mine, because of having been denied the 
privilege of going aft, particularly since he had seldom 
made the attempt. 

Tim Stubbs discovered about this time that he should 
be on the gun-deck, and would have left us hurriedly but 
that I clutched at his arm, holding him sufficiently long 
to ask : 


A STERN CEASE. 


IOI 


“ Do you intend that we shall spend four and twenty 
hours here alone, with nothing to eat ? ” 

“ It isn’t anything I can help, lad. I’ll speak to the 
bo’ sun about it, if I get the chance.” 

Then he freed himself from my grasp and was gone, 
leaving Simon and me gazing discontentedly into each 
other’s eyes. 

Lest he who chances to read these lines should be 
brought to think that Simon Ropes and I were babies, 
who could not remain on duty twelve hours at a stretch 
without weeping and wailing over it, let me call attention 
to the general situation, which was sufficient to take the 
heart out of lads far stronger than we two. 

Had it been necessary for us to stand guard four and 
twenty hours, or even twice that length of time on a 
stretch, because we were in pursuit of an enemy, the 
labour would have seemed as nothing. Or, had any 
ordinary event in a sailorman’s life rendered it impor- 
tant that we should perform even a more laborious task, 
not a word of complaint would have been heard from our 
lips. 

It was the nameless dread which had come upon us 
since the evening previous ; the haunting fear that one 
of the prisoners was lying in wait to make a sudden 
attack ; the possibility that the men might rise in 
mutiny, — it was all these which rendered us timid and 
peevish. 

We gave way to terror unnecessarily at this particular 
time, however, for Tim Stubbs had hardly more than left 


102 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


us before two old shellbacks came down to relieve us, 
stipulating, as we hastened toward the ladder in our eager- 
ness to breathe the fresh air once more, that we should 
bring them news of the chase from time to time. 

“ We’ll keep you posted,” I cried, “ and you in turn are 
to be on the alert every instant. Have your muskets where 
they may be come at handily, and be quick at facing about 
in case you hear any unusual noise from behind.” 

Some of the prisoners looked at me oddly as I gave this 
advice, which was as near as I cared to come at revealing 
what I believed to be the true state of affairs, and one of 
the sailors asked : 

“ Have you lads grown chicken-hearted from bein’ down 
here in the dark ? What need have we of muskets while 
the Britishers remain safe behind them ’ere wooden 
bars ? ” 

“There’s no knowing what might happen,” I replied, 
speaking gravely in order that the words should have more 
weight. “ It isn’t safe to think everything is in proper 
order when there’s a chance that appearances may be 
deceitful.” 

I was looking full in the face of one of the prisoners as 
I spoke, and it seemed to me that the fellow changed 
colour ; but of this I could not be positive. 

However, I did not stop many seconds to observe the 
effect of my words. 

It seemed to me certain I could succeed in gaining 
speech with the captain, regardless of the orders that no 
one should go aft, and I followed Simon on deck, feeling 


A STERN CHASE. 


103 


that such time of suspense as had been caused by the 
Britishers would soon be at an end. 

On the gun-deck we found the watch off duty, or a 
certain number of the men, crouching very close together 
in private converse, and this, to my mind, boded no 
good. 

They ceased talking as Simon and I approached, which 
was additional proof that they had been plotting mischief. 

Surely the gale, which appeared, judging from the 
ship’s motions, to be increasing in force each instant, and 
the knowledge that we were in hot pursuit of an enemy, 
should have kept their thoughts from mutiny ; but that 
which they had seen and heard was too mysterious and 
uncanny to be driven from their minds, whatever the 
counter attraction. 

Simon and I literally clawed our way along, forced to 
keep a firm hold continually upon something, else the 
terrific upward bounds and downward plunges of the ship 
would have flung us headlong against the gun-carriages. 

I had never before found it so difficult to keep my 
footing ; never believed a huge ship could be tossed in 
such fashion by the wind and waves. 

It seemed to me in the highest degree foolhardy to con- 
tinue the chase under such circumstances, and I ques- 
tioned if it had not already been abandoned. 

“ What sail are we under ? ” I asked of the man nearest, 
bawling the words in his ear because the uproar even 
down there between decks was so great that one was 
forced to shout in order to make himself heard. 


104 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


“Carryin’ everything that can be jammed on her,” the 
sailor replied, with a growl of discontent. “ The captain 
is bound to make good the words of the ghost, an’, 
accordin’ to the looks of things, I’d say the cruise is like 
to be ended in short order.” 


CHAPTER VII. 


A LIVELY SCRIMMAGE. 

T T surely seemed as if the possibility of capturing the 
chase might have kept the men’s thoughts, for a time 
at least, from those mysterious happenings which had sown 
the seeds of mutiny among us ; but yet such was not the 
case. 

For my part, the gale which was buffeting the ship, 
because she dare show such a press of canvas that at 
times it appeared as if the fabric lay upon her beam ends, 
was enough to banish all thought of that which occurred 
and could not readily be explained. 

Had the America been snugged down in proper condi- 
tion to meet the furious blasts, the tempest might have 
howled yet louder without causing a single sensation of 
uneasiness or fear, because we knew full well that the 
good ship was fit to meet any ordinary tumult of nature. 

But when, in the midst of what might almost be called a 
tempest, her captain had ordered that she be given as 
much canvas as could be carried, without literally burying 
her, then was the situation such as seemed to demand the 
attention of every one. 

Had these mutinously inclined sailors cried out against 
105 


I06 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

Captain Ropes’s thus forcing the ship to her utmost point 
of endurance, then would there have been method in their 
madness. 

Instead of this, however, they allowed their minds to 
dwell upon the past, shrinking before the imaginary evils, 
and apparently giving no heed to the imminent danger 
which threatened. 

As these thoughts came into my mind, I stood clasping 
with both hands the stanchion, lest I be hurled like a 
shuttle-cock around the deck, lost in amazement because 
the men could be so keen in following their own super- 
stitions, and so dull to present surroundings. 

Simon, who had been following close at my heels, and 
was now swaying to and fro at my side as he clutched the 
same support, said, after we had surveyed the groups of 
mutinous sailormen : 

“ Let us try to go on deck. It may be that we shall 
succeed in having speech with my father, and it appears 
to me necessary he should know what we have learned.” 

Anything was preferable to remaining there, so I said 
to myself, although doubting if it would be possible for us 
to gain the spar-deck. 

Waiting until the ship was comparatively steady for an 
instant, we forsook the stanchion to make a rush for the 
next nearest stationary object to which we could cling, 
and thus, by short stages, after no little expenditure of 
time, succeeded in gaining the hatch, which had been left 
open only sufficiently wide to admit of the passage of a 
man’s body. 


A LIVELY SCRIMMAGE . 


07 


Here we stood on the ladder, with our heads just 
showing above the combing, witnessing such a terrifying 
spectacle as I had never before seen. 

To describe the ship as she literally wallowed through 
the foaming waters, is beyond my power. 

There were times when it appeared to me as if the gun- 
deck was two feet beneath the surface, and, in a twinkling, 
both of us lads were drenched to the skin, although, as I 
have said, only our heads and shoulders were exposed. 

The labouring craft, carrying such a press of canvas as 
prevented her from rising to the waves, literally ploughed 
her way through them. The spars groaned as they 
buckled to the wind, until it appeared each instant as if 
they must go by the board. Now and then, when we 
were so far beneath the yawning chasms of water that the 
force of the gale was shut off from us momentarily, 
the slatting of chains and bolt-ropes made a din so great 
that it could not have been equalled by an army of black- 
smiths hammering at their anvils. 

A wilder or more awe-inspiring scene cannot be im- 
agined, and to Simon and me, inexperienced as we were in 
a seafaring life, the peril appeared exceeding great. 

Now and then, far in the distance, directly over the bow, 
could be seen the topsails of the chase, who must have 
been making as heavy weather of it as we were, and I said 
to myself that it was no longer a question of measuring 
strength between Britisher and Yankee, but simply a con- 
test which would be decided in favour of the ship that had 
been most carefully and strongly constructed. 


o8 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


To pursue an enemy under such conditions seemed 
little less than madness ; yet I afterward came to believe 
that Captain Ropes’s recklessness, at such a time, was far 
more potent toward subduing the mutiny of the crew than 
any other course he might have pursued. 

There was no need for us to discuss the question of 
trying to gain speech with the captain. 

It would have been literally impossible for either of us 
to have made our way aft to the quarter-deck, even though 
no one stood ready to oppose us, and this Simon under- 
stood as well as I. 

Clutching me by the arm to attract attention, for in 
such a place one might have bawled himself hoarse, with- 
out making his words heard twelve inches away, Simon 
motioned for me to descend, and with no little difficulty 
we made our way once more to the gun-deck. 

Here, in a corner which was sheltered by one of the 
gun-carriages, we contrived to carry on a fragmentary 
conversation, during which it was agreed that the crew 
should not be told of what we had discovered regard- 
ing the prisoners until we could gain speech with the 
captain. 

While the ship was labouring so violently, there was 
little danger that those in the brig would attempt any mis- 
chief, however favourable an opportunity presented itself, 
and we would be warranted in holding our peace, so long 
as both of us remained on the alert. 

As a matter of course, under ordinary circumstances, 
we would not have hesitated to inform the men that one 


s ' i 


A LIVELY SCRIMMAGE. 109 

of the Britishers had escaped, and this would have been 
clearly our duty ; but now, while they were in a state of 
mutiny, so to speak, it seemed advisable that we keep 
secret what had been learned. 

It was impossible to pay a visit to the cook’s quarters 
for the purpose of getting food, and we knew beyond a 
peradventure that all hands must content themselves with 
bread and water until the gale had so far abated as to 
render work in the kitchen possible. 

Although such a task was in the highest degree dis- 
tasteful, we lads descended into the hold after having held 
this brief consultation, and there remained, much to the 
surprise of those sailors who were on guard. 

Here the tumult, save as shown by the plunging and 
rolling of the ship, was comparatively slight, and we might 
have indulged in conversation without great exertion ; but 
neither of us felt inclined for words at such a time. 

I fancied Simon Ropes was much in the same frame of 
mind as myself. It seemed as if death was close upon us, 
and that the next instant might seal our doom. 

The Britishers were naturally eager to learn what was 
being done, and, thinking they would be more disposed to 
defer any plans of escape which might have been made, if 
the truth were known, I readily explained to them the situa- 
tion as it had been presented to me. 

After this was done, Simon and I, each holding a 
loaded musket, and on the alert for any noise which might 
proclaim the whereabouts of that man who had succeeded 
in getting out of the brig, sat with our backs against the 


I IO 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


bulkhead, having in such position a full view of those who 
should be closely guarded. 

Even now, as memory goes back, I am surprised that we 
lads 'were not wholly overcome by terror. 

The ship staggering under canvas enough to bury her ; 
the tempest raging and howling, eager to destroy the handi- 
work of man ; the mutinous crew on the gun-deck plotting, 
perhaps, against their officers, and in the hold nineteen 
men ready to risk their lives in an effort to escape. 

It was a series of perils which one would say must finally 
overwhelm us, and I saw but little hope in the future. 

There is no reason why I should dwell at length upon 
all these terrors, for they menaced us until we lads were 
numb with despair. 

During all that night the America staggered on, like 
some living thing pursued by the furies, and, meanwhile, 
Simon Ropes and I shared the duties of the guard, not 
daring to tell them that we knew of more danger in the 
work than they imagined. 

At some time in the evening ship’s biscuit and cold 
boiled pork had been served, for the cooks were unable to 
prepare even a pannikin of tea, and when morning came 
the situation remained unchanged. 

One of the sailors who had stood guard with us at- 
tempted to make his way on deck, and came back report- 
ing much the same state of affairs as when we had tried 
to gain speech with Captain Ropes. 

The hours passed slowly ; breakfast was the same as 
the supper of the night previous, and we munched the dry 


A LIVELY SCRIMMAGE. 


I I I 

bread, washing it down with water from the scuttle-butt 
which had been lashed in the hold to supply the prisoners, 
while our bodies were bruised and sore from being flung 
about, despite all our efforts to remain in one position, 
when the motions of the ship were most violent. 

As the forenoon wore on, I fancied that the ship 
laboured less heavily, and those of the sailors who re- 
mained in the hold with us predicted that the gale would 
have come to an end before sunset ; but none believed we 
might be able to come up witji the chase. 

Then it was that all of us were astounded by a call to 
quarters, and the bo’sun’s mate who brought us the order 
announced that the hatch on the gun-deck leading to the 
hold was to be fixed in place with bars, in order that the 
prisoners’ guard might be at liberty to take their proper 
stations with the remainder of the crew. 

It seemed absolutely impossible that Captain Ropes 
could have it in mind to open an engagement under such 
conditions of the weather, and yet the order brought to us 
told plainly that we were come within range of the chase, 
and also that she was disposed to show fight rather than 
surrender peaceably. 

The sailormen who were with us looked grave and dis- 
turbed as they prepared to obey the command, and we two 
lads were literally bewildered by mingled fear and aston- 
ishment. 

However, the hatch was secured in place so firmly that, 
even though all the Britishers succeeded in getting out of 
the brig, they could not leave the hold. 


I 12 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


When we stood on the gun-deck once more, quiver- 
ing with fear at the thought of taking part in a battle, 
I, despite all my timorousness, did not fail to see all the 
details. 

The ports had been opened, and through one or the 
other, from time to time, came great jets of water as the 
waves dashed against the ship, flooding the deck until our 
gunners stood knee-deep in the briny surge. 

The hatchway leading to the magazine was guarded by 
two men, who held it in place as the seas came aboard, 
and stood ready to open it for the gunners’ assistants 
whenever they were forced to descend for ammunition. 

I question now, since having come to know more re- 
garding such affairs, if sailormen ever took part in a 
queerer engagement than we were making ready for. 

Fancy loading heavy guns when the powder must be 
held in the arms of the men lest it be rendered worthless 
by moisture ! Think of two or three sailors holding their 
coats or strips of tarpaulin around the cartridge while it 
was being placed in the muzzle of the piece, to guard 
against a sudden inrush of the water ! Picture to yourself 
the ship plunging, rising, rolling, and tossing about while 
the men made ready to shed the blood of their fellow 
creatures ! 

Now and then, as the fabric rose heavily upon the 
mountains of water, we could see to leeward, half a gun- 
shot distant, a ship which looked to be the very counter- 
part of our own, save that the cross of St. George was 
floating where we displayed the stars and stripes. 


A LIVELY SCRIMMAGE. 


1 13 

All show of mutiny had disappeared from the faces of 
the crew, so far as I could make out. 

The strangeness of the situation had driven away all 
discontent, and once more was the America manned by 
big-hearted, whole-souled Yankee sailors. 

During the drills which had been carried on regularly 
from the beginning of the cruise, Simon and I came to 
know that our stations in time of an engagement were at 
Master Joshua’s gun, and although it was not possible lads 
like us could be of any assistance in carrying ammunition 
while the ship was plunging so violently, we went to our 
posts as if counting on rendering all necessary service. 

“Yonder is a prize well worth the taking, lads,” Master 
Josh shouted as we approached, and it was easy for us to 
understand that he had in mind something different from 
omens and signs of danger. “ She’s every inch as good a 
sailer as the America, and but for the carrying away of 
her topmast, we never should have overhauled her.” 

“ She must be an armed vessel, else we would not have 
been called to quarters,” I ventured to say, speaking like 
a simple, for such a statement under the circumstances 
was needless. 

“ Ay, lad, but carrying less metal than do we.” 

“ In such case I should think it would be wiser for her 
to surrender than fight,” Simon added. 

I knew by my own heart that he was wishing such might 
be the case, for an engagement at any time was by no 
means to our liking, and while the gale raged so furiously 
it seemed doubly terrible 


I 14 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

“ She’s reckonin’ on cripplin’ us by some lucky shot, 
and thereby makin’ her escape. Marksmanship won’t 
count for a great deal in this weather, and it’ll be more by 
accident than good wit if a single ball hits its target.” 

“ Are Simon and I to bring up ammunition ? ” I asked, 
yet knowing full well we could not accomplish the task. 

“We’ll leave that for some of the other sailormen this 
time, lad. You wouldn’t get one charge in a dozen up here 
without wetting it. It’ll be a case of firing whenever 
there’s a chance, which won’t be often, accordin’ to my way 
of thinkin’, an’ we can afford to take our time about it.” 

Men were stationed from the ladder of the after-hatch- 
way to the quarter-deck, not more than two feet apart, 
that the captain’s commands might pass from one to the 
other, and those on deck were clinging to life-lines, so I 
was told, lest they be washed overboard by the angry 
waters. 

“ Fire as often as you can reload, and strive to cripple 
her spars rather than the hull ! ” came the word, whereupon 
the engagement was opened by Master Josh himself. 

It was only with difficulty we could hear the report of 
the gun above the roar of the tempest ; but while the ship 
was rising on a towering wave we were able to watch the 
flight ^of the missile. 

It overshot its mark, and the old gunner gave vent to 
an exclamation of anger. 

Then I saw a cloud of smoke emerge from one of the 
Britisher’s ports, and almost immediately it was dispersed 
by the rising wind. 


A LIVELY SCRIMMAGE. 


115 

She also had opened fire, and, like us, her first shot was 
a vain one. 

This engagement was not like unto any I ever dreamed 
of, and when half an hour had passed neither ship was the 
worse for it, so far as could be seen. 

Both craft held their course, neither sailing faster nor 
slower than the other, but moving onward at the same 
relative distance, as if we were engaged in a friendly race. 

The fact that none of the Britisher’s shots had come 
aboard gave me courage, and I almost brought myself to 
believe that they would not be able to hit us. 

Not being forced to perform any duties, Simon and I 
acted as spectators of this odd battle, and were speculat- 
ing upon the chances that our gunners might succeed in 
shooting away one of the enemy’s spars, when suddenly 
there was a hideous crashing of the timbers, cries of pain 
at the gun nearest to us but one, and for the first time 
I saw the white deck crimsoned with the blood of my 
countrymen. 

Fortune had favoured the Britisher so far, at least, and 
now fear took possession of me. 

The lifeless bodies of two men, and one of them he with 
whom I had been speaking five minutes before, were rolled 
to and fro on the deck as the ship leaped and plunged, 
while another was being helped to the cockpit by comrades, 
that his wounds might be dressed. 

From that moment I failed to realise all that took place. 
After the first flush of cowardice, a fever took possession 
of me. 


II 6 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

I prayed fervently that our next shot might work more 
injury than theirs had done ; the thirst for blood was full 
upon me, and I saw everywhere before my eyes that 
ominous crimson hue. 

For how long a time this singular battle was waged I 
knew not ; but afterward came to learn that no less than 
two hours elapsed, from the time Carleton and Hawley had 
been killed, before the Britisher hauled down the cross of 
St. George. 

Three times had the America's hull been struck, and 
our gunners declared that we had sent home no less than 
ten shot, one of which wounded the enemy’s mizzenmast, 
within six feet of the deck, so badly that it fell ten min- 
utes later, while another carried away all the spars above 
the mainmasthead. 

During this time the wind had lulled until it was no 
more than a full sailing breeze, but the sea was yet run- 
ning mountains high. 

No blood had been spilled aboard our craft after the 
first successful shot, and even while the engagement was 
on had the sailors cared for the bodies of their two dead 
messmates. 

Well, the prize was ours, providing we could board her, 
and I came out of the fever of excitement nervous and 
trembling, as if having lived four and twenty hours under 
the very shadow of the death angel’s wings. 

The America was hove to, for it would be useless to 
think of boarding the stranger while the sea was so high, 
and until the next morning we lay close by the prize. 


A LIVELY SCRIMMAGE . 


ii 7 


Meanwhile, Simon and I, aided by two of the sailors, 
kept watch over the prisoners. 

During all this time we had had no opportunity to speak 
with the captain, and, in fact, made no especial effort to 
do so. 

The chance would come later without our seeming to 
court it, and meanwhile four armed men should be able 
to prevent that single Britisher, who lurked somewhere in 
the hold, from doing us a mischief. 

The prisoners remained in the brig, apparently unable 
to escape from such close quarters, and, despite all our 
efforts, neither my comrade nor I could discover in what 
way one of them had gotten free. 

The capture of the ship was a godsend to us at that 
time, for, with such a prize before them, the men who had 
been on the verge of mutiny could not well insist that the 
omens had been for evil, and it was, during this night at 
least, as if they had forgotten all the disagreeable and 
mysterious events. 

At daybreak next morning, Simon and I, having taken 
turns at sleeping during the night, went on deck. Be- 
fore us, not more than two miles away, lay the captured 
ship. 

The sea was yet boisterous, but not to such an extent 
as would prevent our taking possession of the stranger, 
and already were the boats afloat. 

We came soon to learn that our prize was the Ralph 
Nickerson, of and for London from Quebec, laden with 
lumber, and carrying eight guns with a strong crew. 


1 1 S THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

Her burthen was full twenty tons more than ours, and 
a finer craft could not be found outside the United States. 

“ If it so be that we succeed in can-yin’ her to port, 
there’s fifty or sixty thousand dollars’ worth of prize- 
money, my boys ! ” one of the men said to his compan- 
ions, as a group of old shellbacks stood amidships 
watching our boats pulling toward the Britisher. “ Sixty 
thousand dollars added to what we’ve already taken won’t 
be small pickin’s for any of us.” 

“ We’ll hope to have more of the same kind of omens,” 
Mr. Fernald, who chanced to pass in time to hear the 
remark, cried, cheerily. “You who have been persuad- 
ing yourselves that we were bound straight for Davy 
Jones’s locker must feel rather small this morning. The 
cruise isn’t ended yet, and we’ll put that ship into Salem, 
or I’m a Dutchman ! ” 

“That’s all very well, sir,” one of the older men 
replied ; “ but what about the ghost that can talk ? ” 

“ It strikes me that he’s a liar,” Mr. Fernald said, laugh- 
ingly. “ Or else he’s out of his latitude when he attempts 
to predict for sailormen. Suppose we had heeded what- 
ever it was that tried to frighten us, and put about for 
home ? It would have been the same as throwin’ away 
fifty thousand good dollars.” 

The majority of the sailors on deck began to look fool- 
ish, realising how groundless had been their fears, and it 
was left for Joshua Seabury to revive the superstitions 
which had been temporarily driven away by the smell of 
burning powder. 


A LIVELY SCRIMMAGE. 


J 9 


“We are not out of the woods yet,” he cried. “No 
one can say with certainty that we’ll carry yonder ship into 
port, and who knows how soon we’ll be layin’ under the 
lee of a British frigate, waiting for them to board us ? ” 

“You should hide your head in shame, Joshua Sea- 
bury ! ” Mr. Fernald said, angrily. “A man like you, 
counted as being the best gunner qn the Massachusetts 
coast, one who fought with credit at Tripoli, to give way 
like a baby because some one of your messmates played 
a foolish trick ! ” 

Having said this, the officer turned on his heel, as if 
regretting that he had stopped to bandy words with the 
men, and went aft, Simon and I following with the hope 
that we might find an opportunity of speaking to Captain 
Ropes. 

He was standing near the wheel, glass in hand, watch- 
ing the movements of the boats, and no one checked us as 
we went toward him. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


CHEERING INFORMATION. 


HEN we came near the captain both us lads halted, 



* * and neither dared make any effort at attracting his 
attention, save we might do so by silence. 

We stood two or three feet away, much like culprits 
who had come to beg for pardon, and there waited until 
the commander of the America chanced to take the glass 
from his eyes. 

Seeing us quite by accident, as it were, he looked won- 
drously surprised, as if it were difficult for him to realise 
that we could have so far transgressed sea customs as to 
venture unbidden on the quarter-deck. 

Although Captain Joseph Ropes should have been the 
one to show respect when he and I met, because of the 
fact that he was my uncle’s employee, and I was a step 
above him in station when we were ashore, I dared not 
open my mouth, while he gazed at me curiously, with an 
expression of severe disapproval upon his face. 

But for the fact that Simon was with me, and succeeded 
in plucking up heart at that moment, the interview which 
we had been waiting for so long would have come to 
naught, owing to my being tongue-tied. 


120 


CHEERING INFORMATION 


121 


My comrade, however, rendered desperate, as he after- 
ward told me, by the thought that we might be forced to 
go forward again without having communicated our secret, 
stepped close by his father’s side, and said, in a low, yet 
emphatic tone : 

“ Nathan and I have discovered that which we believe 
you should know at once, sir.” 

Captain Ropes glanced around quickly to learn if any 
other might have overheard his son’s words, and then said, 
in a low tone : 

“Tell me quickly what you have learned, and do it 
in such manner that no one may suspect we are hold- 
ing private converse.” 

“ There are but eighteen prisoners in the brig, sir, and 
yet by Nathan Crowninshield’s reckoning, as well as my 
own, there should be nineteen.” 

“ Nineteen were sent below,” the captain said, after a 
brief pause, during which I fancied he was running over 
in his mind the number of Britishers taken. 

“ There are but eighteen now, sir.” 

“ Are you two lads the only ones aboard ship who know 
that one of the men is missing ? ” 

“ So it would seem, sir. The cooks send nineteen 
pannikins when meals are served, and one of the pris- 
oners comes forward twice for rations, in order to hide 
the absence of his companion.” 

“So ! And that’s the ghost, eh ? You lads have done 
me a service which shall be rewarded later. Have you 
spoken with any of the crew on the subject?” 


122 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA 


“ No, sir ; we thought it best to come first to you, and 
should have done so yesterday, had it been possible to 
get aft.” 

“You have acted wisely; continue to hold your peace, 
and share guard duty with the sailors in order that he 
who has gained his liberty may not do a mischief. When 
the proper time comes, we’ll have a search for the miss- 
ing man. Go forward now, and remember that this matter 
is not to be mentioned to the men.” 

I was more than a little disappointed with the result of 
the interview, as Simon and I, obeying the captain’s com- 
mand, took up our proper stations once more. 

There had been in my mind the idea that some start- 
ling change would be the result of our communication, 
and yet I fancied Captain Ropes looked upon the matter 
as of but little importance, even though he declared we 
had rendered important service. 

We lads might have conversed at greater length with 
the commander of the ship and yet failed of attracting 
the attention of our messmates, so intent were all upon 
watching the America s boats as they neared the prize. 

Taking possession of the Ralph Nickerson did not vary 
from previous work of this kind. 

The commander of the ship, having surrendered when 
he hauled down his flag, received our men with due sub- 
mission, and when the boats returned they brought with 
them thirty-three sailors, the first officer, and the captain, 
as prisoners. 

The sea yet ran high, and it was no slight task to get 


CHEERING INFORMATION. 


23 


the Britishers aboard safely, for many of them were so 
disgruntled and stubborn over being captured as to take 
the chances of being drowned rather than help themselves 
in the slightest degree. 

John Proctor, our fourth mate, and eleven men were 
sent on board the Ralph Nickerson as a prize-crew, and 
such of the enemy’s men as had been left in their own 
craft already were agreed, in consideration of being set at 
liberty when port was made, to aid in working the ship. 

No more than three hours were thus spent before the 
captured vessel was under way, steering westward, and 
the America laid on such a course as it was believed 
would bring her in the track of the enemy’s merchant- 
men. 

The wounds which the prize had received during the 
engagement would be attended to on her passage to the 
United States. While all the injuries might have been 
speedily repaired had we laid alongside of her so that our 
crew could aid in the work, Captain Ropes did not con- 
sider it wise to remain near at hand, lest a British cruiser 
should heave in sight, and, on seeing the two ships hove to, 
understand all that had occurred. 

Now that my mind was set at rest concerning what the 
seamen believed had been a ghostly visitor, I found new 
cause for alarm. 

• First, however, let me set down the conclusion which 
Simon and I arrived at concerning that which had so 
alarmed our crew. 

The fact that one of the prisoners was missing from the 


124 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


brig seemed to us — and from the expression on Captain 
Ropes’s face I fancied he looked at the matter much the 
same as we did — conclusive proof that he who was at 
liberty had played the part of ghost, although how it 
might have been contrived we did not attempt to explain. 

Of course we knew full well that there were no such 
things as spirits, even though we had been seriously 
alarmed, and it was not necessary we should reason out 
the entire scheme in order to say with good certainty that 
it had been brought about by the Britisher who should 
at this moment have been in the brig. 

It was to me as if the visit of the supposed ghost had 
never occurred, the new danger being so imminent as to 
drive all else from my mind. 

This peril lay, so I believed, in the number of prisoners 
we had on board. 

There were, or should be, fifty-two in the hold, and 
three aft. Our crew, which numbered, when we left port, 
one hundred and sixty-three all told, had been weakened 
considerably by the prize-crews thrown aboard the cap- 
tured craft. 

Twelve men in all were sent to the Ralph Nickerson , 
eight took charge of the Benjamin , and seven were sent 
into the James and Charlotte , making twenty-seven in all. 

This reduced our number to one hundred and thirty-six, 
and although such a force should overwhelm fifty-five 
Britishers if they took it into their heads to rise, the 
enemy was sufficiently strong, more particularly if our 
people were taken by surprise, to cause serious trouble. 


CHEER [NG INFORMATION. 


25 


While thus casting about to find food for anxiety, I 
took well into account the fact that, should the prisoners 
succeed in releasing themselves, they would fight desper- 
ately, and not be blamed for so doing, since they could 
only look forward to imprisonment when we made the 
home port. 

And they had good cause for venturing their lives in 
the effort to escape, if they knew how their countrymen 
treated such of the Americans as were captured, because 
they might reasonably conclude that we of the United 
States would be equally brutal with those who fell into 
our hands. 

It must not be supposed that I remained idle in order 
to cast up all these accounts which might work to our 
disadvantage. 

I have simply set down here that which came into my 
mind like flashes of light, as Simon Ropes and I walked 
forward to obey his father’s command. 

As the captain had left the matter, we were responsible 
in a certain degree for the prisoners, and both of us were 
bent on showing, if possible, that we could be depended 
upon even for such a difficult task as this. 

We went directly into the hold, and there found as 
lively a scene of confusion and tumult as can well be 
imagined. 

The Britishers whom we had taken from the other 
prizes were noisily greeting the newcomers, and eagerly 
questioning them concerning the news of the world from 
a British standpoint. 


126 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA . 


The brig was so fuli as to make it appear that the men 
were packed like herrings in a box, and I wondered how 
it might be possible for them to lie down at night without 
being stowed two or three deep over the floor of the 
prison. 

“ How may it be possible to take so many out for 
exercise ? ” Simon asked, in dismay, and I understood 
from the question that there was in his mind somewhat 
of that which had been troubling me. 

“ They can go out in squads, I reckon, for it is not 
likely the captain would allow all these on deck at the 
same time. However, that need give us little concern, 
for it is our business to see that he who runs at liberty 
somewhere in the hold be prevented from doing a mischief.” 

“ I cannot understand why matters are allowed to re- 
main in this condition,” Simon said, as if speaking to 
himself. “ It would have been more seemly, according 
to my way of thinking, had an immediate search been 
made for the Britisher who has succeeded in getting out 
of the brig. While he is at liberty much mischief may be 
done, however well we perform our duty.” 

“ It appears that your father is not of the same mind, 
and we can set it down as a fact that he knows best what 
should be done.” 

“ But think of the chances for trouble, while one of the 
Britishers is free to move about the hold as he chooses ! ” 

It was as if Simon’s fears gave me courage, for I replied, 
stoutly, as- one might who never knew what it was to be 
timorous : 


CHEERING INFORMATION • 


127 


“We have no right to question the captain’s wisdom, 
and should think only of carrying out his wishes to the 
letter.” 

Simon made no reply, for a lad cannot well grumble 
against his father’s commands, and we loitered around as 
if from no other motive than that of curiosity, while the 
prisoners were making a tumult with their greetings and 
questionings. 

Before the day was come to an end Simon suggested to 
me that we take it upon ourselves to find the man who 
had escaped. 

Since the last batch of prisoners had arrived the guard 
was strengthened, and now, as I understood from Mr. 
Fernald, no less than three of the crew would be on duty 
constantly, even during an engagement, therefore might 
Simon and I make search for this solitary Britisher if it 
so pleased us. 

But I was not minded to act upon his suggestion, be- 
lieving Captain Ropes would have ordered an immediate 
search, unless it was his purpose to so conduct the matter 
that the America s crew should understand beyond a per- 
adventure who had played the part of ghost. 

If we two lads took the matter in our own hands, we 
might upset the commander’s plans most seriously. 

Therefore it was that we hung about the brig, regard- 
less of the fact that the men detailed as guard expressed 
no little surprise because of our willingness to remain 
below while we might be on deck ; and one day after 
another passed, while the America cruised to and fro in 


128 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


the track of merchantmen, as if her commander had 
forgotten equally his son and those whom the latter had 
been set to watch. 

Each day the prisoners were taken on deck, twelve or 
fourteen at a time, and the fellow who had succeeded in 
freeing himself from the brig must have come to the 
conclusion that his was an unwise move, since he had thus 
deprived himself of the privilege of fresh air. 

We were seldom on the gun-deck, Simon and I, and 
therefore had little idea of how our men were behaving, 
save as we overheard the conversation between the sailors 
on duty in the hold. 

Through this slight source of information we gathered 
that the majority of the crew were quite willing to forget 
their previous belief in the ghostly visitor ; but the elder 
men, among them Master Josh, held to the idea as strongly 
as if their happiness depended upon its being proven a 
fact. 

Our success had lessened the fears of the superstitious, 
and none of the men had overmuch to say concerning the 
significance of our carrying away a spar on the first Friday 
after leaving port. 

That portion of our troubles had been cast aside once 
and for all, as a lying omen. 

Each morning I expected that Simon and I would be 
summoned aft by the captain, and each day was I griev- 
ously disappointed in my expectations. 

The prisoners, now so formidable in number, knowing 
that there was one on the outside who, at the first favour- 


CHEERING INFORMA TION. 


129 


able opportunity, would aid them, grew insolent, jeering at 
the guard until it seemed positive our men would so far 
forget themselves as to raise their hands against appar- 
ently helpless captives. 

Then came that morning when, judging from the confi- 
dent bearing and outspoken threats of the Britishers, I 
made certain they were prepared to strike a blow of some 
kind, and I had called Simon Ropes aside with the inten- 
tion of suggesting to him that we go aft once more to tell 
his father how much mischief was brewing, when we heard 
a great commotion on deck. 

The guard, who had been ordered not to leave their 
posts of duty under any circumstances, except by express 
orders, urged that we lads ascertain what had caused the 
seeming disturbance. 

I was the more willing to comply with such request 
because in the performance we might get an opportunity 
of speaking privately to Simon’s father, and with all speed 
the lad and I went on to the spar-deck, finding there both 
watches in the highest state of excitement, as well they 
might be, for off to leeward, not more than four or five 
miles away, could be seen a full-rigged ship. 

“Is she a Britisher ?” I asked of the man nearest me, 
and he replied, confidently : 

“ Ay, lad, there’s no mistaking her build and rigging. 
She hails from England, or I’m a Dutchman, and so 
heavily loaded with whatsoever may be the cargo that 
we’ll find in her a prize worth taking.” 

“ Providing her captain isn’t in a condition to object,” 


130 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


I replied, with a smile, whereat the man said, cheerily, as 
if he found in the fact no little pleasure : 

“ She’s armed, lad, so I’ve heard the officers say, an’ 
shows six ports on a side, therefore it stands to reason 
she carries no less than twelve guns.” 

“ And probably can put up as severe a fight as did the 
Nickerson ,” Simon added, grimly. 

“ Well, I am allowin’ we need exercise of that kind, lad. 
What with omens, an’ ghosts, an’ near to downright 
mutiny, this ’ere crew is gettin’ so rusty that a little 
blood-lettin’ will work to their advantage. I hold to it 
a privateersman gets into a bad condition if he ain’t 
knocked around just about so much, an’ our prizes thus 
far have come too easy. If we could suddenly find our- 
selves within range of a British sloop-of-war it would do 
us a world of good.” 

“I’m thinkin’ you’d change your song if anything like 
that should happen,” Simon said, with a laugh, whereat 
the sailor, who was an exceeding sensible man, gave us a 
long lecture upon the necessity of running a privateersman 
into serious danger now and then for the sake of holding 
him in proper discipline. 

Well, it was destined that we should not receive any 
very painful lesson on this day, despite the fact that the 
stranger was reasonably well armed. 

Before two hours had passed we threw a shot across 
the Britisher’s bow, and sent another into her mizzen 
rigging which did no little damage. 

Then her captain showed that he must have had more 



“WHAT A CHEER WENT UP FROM OUR MEN 







CHEERING INFORMATION. 


31 


milk than blood in his veins, for without discharging a 
single piece, — and we were now come so near as to see 
that she did indeed carry twelve guns, — he hove to quietly 
as any lamb. 

Some of our people fancied there was a trick in all this ; 
that when we came to board her we would find ourselves 
in hot water ; but Captain Ropes was not the man to take 
any chances of this kind. 

The America hauled around under the stranger’s stern, 
where she could rake her fore and aft with a broadside, 
and then the boats were lowered away, — four of them, 
under command of Mr. Fernald. 

It was the quietest capture one can imagine. 

The Britisher did not make even a protest as our people 
swarmed over the rail, and when Mr. Fernald returned, 
leaving on board twenty men to hold possession, we knew 
that we had as a prize the British twelve-gun ship Hope , 
from St. Thomas for Glasgow, with a cargo of sugar, rum, 
and cotton. 

What a cheer went up from our men when Captain Ropes, 
after a brief conversation with the first officer, stepped for- 
ward to the break of the quarter-deck and announced the 
fact in much the same words I have just set down ! 

The men yelled themselves hoarse, for this ship would 
prove by all odds the most valuable prize we had taken, 
and if the America turned about on the home run now, 
without adding * further to her captures, we had indeed 
made a most successful cruise of what at one time 
threatened to end in disaster. 


i3 2 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


But good fortune was not to desert us with the capture 
of the Hope , for Mr. Fernald had brought with him such 
news as caused the blood of every member of the crew, 
including Simon and me, to tingle, and thus did the 
captain impart it to his men : 

“ You lads who have been arguin’ an’ speech ifyin’ ever 
since we left port, tryin’ to prove that the America was 
doomed because a rotten spar chanced to carry away on a 
Friday, have thus far been disappointed in all your doleful 
predictions. Not even the appearance of your so-called 
ghost, and that sepulchral voice which you claimed to 
have heard, could spoil our luck. We have already 
made a paying cruise of it, such a one as will tassel 
well our neckerchiefs with dollars, and yet there is more 
to come. Mr. Fernald brings the information, gathered 
from the master of the prize, that yonder ship left 
St. Thomas three days ago, one of a fleet of forty-five 
merchantmen under convoy of the sloops-of-war Ring- 
dove and Scorpion. We are in the vicinity of that rich 
fleet, my lads, and if we fail to pick up two or three 
good prizes out of it, it will be only through our own 
neglect.” 

Then the men fell to shouting once more, jumping and 
dancing around the deck like a pack of savages, and one 
of them cried out, in a tone so loud that it could be heard 
distinctly by all hands : 

“ Three cheers for the bloomin’ ghost what has brought 
us into such luck ! ” 

The men laughed, and then cheered until the Britishers 


CHEERING INFORMATION. 1 33 

on board the Hope must have believed we had entirely 
lost our heads over their capture. 

When the excitement had died away somewhat, Captain 
Ropes, still facing us near the break of the quarter, said : 

“ I allow, my lads, that we are a fairly good match for 
any British sloop-of-war afloat, and while I’m not hankerin’ 
for a fight which would bring in no dollars on the tail of 
it, we can afford to take the chances of meeting one of 
the king’s vessels while we pick up a stray merchantman. 
We’ll get rid of this prize as soon as may be, an’ then 
turn our attention to what should, within the next eight 
an’ forty hours, put us in fair shape to swing the 
America's nose toward home. Bo’sun Valpey will choose 
twelve men as a prize-crew, an’ take charge of the Hope , 
making for the nearest port north of New York. Stir 
yourselves lively, my boys, for there’s no time to be 
lost!” 

I question if at that moment a single member of the 
crew, not excepting Master Joshua, remembered any of 
the alleged omens which had seemingly threatened dis- 
aster to us all. 

Every man Jack of them fluttered about with a will, and 
before another hour was passed a prize-crew had been 
thrown aboard the captured ship. We had thirty-one 
additional prisoners in the hold, making eighty-three in 
all, and the Hope was crowding on all sail with her nose 
pointing northward. 


CHAPTER IX. 


THE OUTBREAK. 



HEN we parted company with the Hope there was 


* * among the crew of the America but one thought, 
one idea, and that the capture of other craft belonging to 
the St. Thomas fleet. 

The richly laden ship had but whetted the appetite of 
the men for more, and some of the most sanguine 
believed we might remain in the midst of the fleet, seizing 
a vessel here and there, until we no longer had men 
enough on board to make up a prize-crew. 

That we would succeed in capturing one or more other 
craft out of all the number that had left port seemed 
absolutely certain, even though the convoying sloops-of- 
war came across us while we were at our work, for, as 
Captain Ropes had said, we could make it exceeding lively 
for either the Ringdove or the Scorpion. 

The men were so busily occupied with figuring up the 
amount of prize-money which had been, and was to be, 
earned, that they had no time to spend on possible ghosts, 
omens of any kind, or such happenings as had nearly con- 
verted honest Yankee sailors into mutineers. 

It seemed to Simon and me that the danger from this 



“ WE DIVIDED OURSELVES INTO TWO WATCHES 


77 











* 














. 











































































































THE OUTBREAK. 


135 


source had disappeared entirely ; but we were so seriously 
disturbed as to be wofully frightened over what might 
happen if the prisoners concluded to make an effort 
toward capturing the ship. 

We speculated long and in vain trying to decide why 
the captain should have thus neglected to take some steps 
toward recapturing the Britisher who was lurking in the 
America's hold awaiting an opportunity to free his fellow. 

Now we were positive this fellow had played the ghost 
by appearing in the fore-hatchway, as well as by shouting 
his senseless warning ; but how he had contrived to bring 
himself into view, when the night was so dark that the 
lookouts could not distinguish objects at a distance of two 
yards, was more than we could conjecture. 

Simon and I had remained constantly on watch from 
the moment we discovered one of the prisoners to be 
missing, and since our having warned the captain not less 
than three of the sailors were also on duty in the hold. 

At no time did both of us lads sleep during the same 
moment. We divided ourselves into two watches, and 
indulged in naps lasting no more than an hour. 

Since we could thus rest as well in the daytime as at 
night, neither of us felt any evil effects from remaining 
constantly on the alert. 

Never once during all this time did we either hear or 
see the prisoner who remained hidden somewhere in the 
hold, nor could we make certain, now that there were so 
many captives, whether those in the brig got more food 
than sufficed for their number. 


136 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


It was only reasonable to believe, however, that the 
Britishers found ample opportunity to feed their comrade 
from the allowance dealt out, and also that he was ready 
to open an attack whenever the proper time had come. 

On this day after we parted company with the Hope , 
praying that the prize-crew might succeed in taking her 
to an American port, where she could be sold for our 
benefit, it seemed necessary we two lads should exercise 
more vigilance than ever before, because the excitement 
among our crew was so great that those detailed for duty 
as prisoners’ guard gave heed to what was going on above, 
rather than to watching the throng of enemies which was 
so rapidly increasing in size. 

The brig was no longer large enough to admit of all lying 
down to sleep at the same time, and it was certain some 
different arrangement must be made when night came. 

Once we should be forced to give certain of the num- 
ber free run of the hold, the danger to ourselves would be 
vastly increased, so Simon and I argued. 

Because of the fact that we were in the immediate vicin- 
ity of a large fleet, some sail of which we hoped to capture, 
word had been passed to the effect that the prisoners 
would not be allowed to come on deck for exercise until 
further orders, and when this was made known to the 
Britshers they became so bold as to indulge in open 
threats of what they were able to do. 

Some of the most reckless declared they could leave the 
brig at will, and that the America would be their prize in 
due course of time. 


THE OUTBREAK. 


37 


Simon and I discussed the advisability of going again to 
the captain, and would have done so but for fear of being 
laughed at as cowards who were afraid of unarmed and 
imprisoned men. 

It was hardly probable Captain Ropes had forgotten 
the report we made, and it seemed certain he would take 
some steps to shun the danger when, in his opinion, the 
time was ripe for such a move. 

As I have already said, the excitement among our crew 
was so great that it seemed impossible for those detailed 
as guard to remain below ; but one or the other of the 
three men was constantly running on deck to learn if a 
sail had hove in sight. 

Thus it was we came to know that, about an hour before 
sunset, the lookout had sighted a heavily laden brig, and 
the America was put about in full chase. 

Perhaps because of this fact no attempt was made to 
provide better accommodations for the prisoners. 

They were forced to remain packed in the prison, many 
of them unable to lie down, and their threats and insubor- 
dination increased to an alarming degree. 

“We shall have trouble before morning,” Simon said, in 
a tone of studied carelessness to one of the sentinels, 
hoping thereby to put the man more on his guard ; but 
the latter replied, indifferently : 

“Don’t get fancies into your head, lad. Them ’ere 
Britishers are where they can’t work any mischief, no 
matter how ripe they may be for it. When you’ve seen 
as many prisoners aboard ship as have come my way, you 


38 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


won’t bother yourself about what is possible for them to 
do while they’re unarmed an’ packed in snug as those 
fellows are.” 

Fortunately, my comrade and I had not become so 
familiar with privateering as to render us careless, else the 
good ship America would never have sailed into a Yankee 
port with the stars and stripes flying, and this much 
Captain Ropes has said time and time again. 

Although we knew our muskets were in proper condi- 
tion, Simon insisted they be discharged and reloaded, in 
order that we might be certain they were in working 
order, and he took both weapons on deck, where, after 
having received permission from Mr. Fernald, he emptied 
them. 

When he returned, and while we were charging the 
weapons, the lad told me that the brig was yet in sight to 
the southward, and we stood every chance of overhauling 
her unless the wind should fail. 

Just at that time, however, we gave very little heed to 
the possibility of another capture. 

In the hold of the America we were confronted by such 
a situation as taxed our courage to the utmost. 

While it was yet daylight we tried to sleep ; but in vain, 
and after supper had been served we sat against the bulk- 
head, where none could come upon us from the rear, 
watching closely the snugly packed throng of Britishers 
as cats watch a lot of rats. 

With all our precautions, the decisive moment came 
when we were least expecting it. 


THE OUTBREAK. \ 


139 


It was about ten o’clock at night. Two of the guard 
were on deck, having been drawn there by news that 
the chase was being rapidly overhauled, when I saw a man 
suddenly spring out of what had appeared to be a solid 
stanchion, as it looked to me, and before I had time to 
raise a cry the door of the brig was thrown open, the 
prisoners pouring out like swarming bees. 

The sailor, who should have been on the alert, was 
standing near the foot of the ladder, waiting to learn from 
his two comrades who had gone on deck as to the chances 
of our coming up with the chase, and not until I cried out 
did he realise his danger. 

By that time, the Britishers were upon him, and he 
went down like a man of straw, apparently trampled under 
their feet, as the foremost made a rush for the gun-deck, 
knowing full well that there would be found arms in 
plenty. 

As a rule, I am a coward ; but at that moment, my 
hand never so much as quivered, while I took careful aim 
at the leader, and he fell off the ladder at the same instant 
the report of my musket rang out, knocking down those 
who were immediately below him. 

In a twinkling the entire mob had turned on us lads. 
They came as does a foaming wave, seeking to engulf who- 
soever shall have lingered on the sands, and involuntarily 
I closed my eyes while raising the musket like a club, 
in order to shut out that blow which seemingly would 
deprive me of life. 

Fortunately, Simon’s musket was loaded, and he dropped 


140 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


the foremost in his tracks while the infuriated men were a 
dozen paces distant, thereby checking the advance ever so 
slightly, and in that brief interval I gathered my senses 
once more. 

It seemed certain I would be killed, and with this belief 
came such courage as I had never believed could be mine. 

Swinging the musket above my head, I rushed straight 
toward the pale-faced man I had seen apparently coming 
out of the solid stanchion, and not until I had taken two 
or three paces toward him did he show his weapon. 

He — and it could be none other than the man who had 
played the part of ghost — had possessed himself of a 
boarding-pike, and I understood from the gleam in his eyes 
that he counted on running me through. 

I brought down the musket with a force that would 
have floored him like an ox ; but he was prepared for such 
an attack, and my weapon was splintered on the deck 
timbers, leaving me with arms so numb that, even though 
my life depended upon the movement, I could not raise 
such fragments as my hands still clutched. 

In another instant the boarding-pike would have found 
its way through my body, and then, as if the blow had 
been delivered over my shoulder, I saw the butt of a 
musket fall full upon the fellow’s head, crushing him to 
the deck. 

Some of the men who were loitering on the gun-deck 
have declared I yelled like a maniac for help ; but of that 
I have no knowledge. 

When the battle was over, — and it proved to be such a 





IN ANOTHER INSTANT THE BOARDING PIKE WOULD HAVE FOUND 
ITS WAY THROUGH MY BODY.” 







- 












































THE OUTBREAK. 


141 

battle as I hope never to take part in again, — I was 
not conscious of having uttered the slightest cry from the 
moment when the prisoners swarmed out of the brig. 

I only know that I struck again and again with the 
barrel of the musket, which was all of the weapon remain- 
ing in my hands, and before me it seemed as if hundreds 
upon hundreds of infuriated Britishers were pressing for- 
ward, intent only on delivering a fatal blow. 

What has been set down above is not quite true, for I 
remember that Simon Ropes stood by my side, fighting 
manfully, and doing twice the execution that was within 
my power, for his weapon was uninjured, and the butt of it 
fell on more than one man’s head, crushing it to a pulp, or 
seeming to do so. 

It is said that we were in the hold keeping back the 
desperate Britishers no more than three minutes, but it 
seemed to me as if a full hour passed before I saw 
dimly a file of sailors, armed with muskets and cutlasses, 
descending the ladder, shooting with careful aim as they 
came. 

Then it was as if a veil fell suddenly over my eyes ; 
sparks of seeming fire danced beneath my eyelids, and I 
knew no more. 

When consciousness returned I was in the cockpit being 
attended to by the surgeon, and Simon Ropes, bandaged 
and wrapped in white cloth until only a comrade would 
recognise him, lay still as death. 

“Is he dead ? ” I managed to ask, although the simple 
act of moving my tongue caused pain. 


142 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA . 


“Not a bit of it, lad. Both he and you will live many 
a long day yet, unless it so chances that you foolishly 
stand in the path of a British ball when it comes aboard,” 
the stern-visaged yet kindly doctor said, in a cheery tone. 
“ You two lads are rather the worse for wear, I’ll admit ; 
but you’ve proven yourselves men on this night, and, 
what’s more, have saved the America. But for you I 
doubt not that all hands of us would now be dead, or in 
the brig with our late prisoners as guards over us.” 

“Did we indeed do as much, sir? ” I asked, despite the 
pain, for the words sounded very sweet in my ears. 

“ It is a fact, and Captain Ropes himself said as much 
not ten minutes ago. What is more, the ghost has been 
discovered.” 

“ Ay, sir, Simon and I have known without seeing him, 
these ten days past ; but how was he discovered ? ” 

“Joshua Seabury came upon his hiding-place quite by 
accident, after the scrimmage was over, and the Britishers 
packed in the brig once more. There, also, was found 
that with which he clothed himself when the men saw the 
form so plainly although the night was dark.” 

“ What was it, sir ? ” I cried, eagerly, trying to rise on 
my elbow, but falling back with a groan immediately 
afterward. 

“Neither more nor less than a piece of white bunting, 
beneath which he admits having carried a lantern found 
on the gun-deck while all hands were above. The light 
shining through the thin fabric disclosed his form, and yet 
was sufficiently thick to hide the shape of the flame.” 


THE OUTBREAK. 


143 


“ Do all the crew know this, sir ? ” 

“You may be sure they do. Captain Ropes took 
good care it should be no secret, and there’s not a man 
aboard who is not ashamed to admit he ever believed in a 
ghost.” 

When this brief conversation had come to an end I was 
assailed by a sensation of faintness which overpowered me, 
and could only close my eyes in utter helplessness. 

Simon Ropes and I were yet in the cockpit when the 
America captured her fifth prize, the British brig Dart , 
laden with rum and cotton, and carrying eight guns. 

While we lay below unable to move, the enemy had 
been overhauled, submitting without attempting to strike 
a blow, and we were the richer by just so much prize- 
money in prospect. 

Although not a gun had been fired, two of the prisoners 
lost their lives. 

It seems, as we heard later from Master Joshua, that 
our third officer, Mr. Sparhawk, together with Thomas 
Fuller, a boatswain’s mate, had been among those sent to 
board the prize. On returning to the America in order to 
make a report, they brought with them five prisoners ; 
their boat was stove under the America's counter, and two 
of the Britishers were drowned. 

Anthony Caulfield, an able seaman who understood navi- 
gation, was put in charge of the prize, together with eight 
of our men. And twenty prisoners were added to the 
number in the hold. 

The Dart was headed for Salem without delay, and our 


144 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


ship cruised back and forth, hoping to sight yet other 
vessels of the fleet. 

Simon and I were not seriously wounded. The prisoners 
had had no weapons, therefore our only injuries came from 
blows with bare fists, save the one on my head which was 
caused by the barrel of my own musket, that had been 
wrested from my grasp. 

Within eight and forty hours we were able to go on 
deck, and then, to our great surprise, we learned that the 
America was steering a course which would speedily bring 
her into Salem Harbour. 

It had been necessary to part with so many of the crew 
in order to man the prizes, that we were short-handed, and 
there was nothing left for us save to make the home port 
as soon as possible, that we might take on board those who 
had probably arrived there in advance of us. 

Captain Ropes ordered us lads into his cabin immedi- 
ately we made our appearance on the spar-deck in com- 
pany with the surgeon, and, once there, he spoke such 
words of praise as cause my ears to tingle even at this late 
day. 

He appeared to believe that we had indeed saved the 
ship from being captured by the prisoners, and declared 
that when the prize-money was distributed our shares 
should be the same as those of the gunners. 

There were many other promises given by him volun- 
tarily ; but I do not propose to set them- down here, for 
they were all made good when we sailed aboard the 
America on her second cruise, and that yarn shall be spun 


THE OUTBREAK. 


145 


at some future time if I decide to put in writing, for the 
pleasure of Simon Ropes and myself, all which befell us 
then. 

It is enough now if I say it was the captain’s orders 
that we two lads live aft during the homeward voyage, and 
right well did we enjoy ourselves when our wounds were 
so far healed that they ceased to give us pain. 

We often indulged in a chat with Master Joshua ; but 
neither of us ever broached the subject of omens, and I 
observed with no slight amusement that he claimed to 
have known from the moment we weighed anchor in Salem 
Harbour that our cruise would be most prosperous. 

And it was prosperous ; we had taken five rich prizes in 
a few over one hundred days, which was more than the 
majority of privateersmen could say. 

Every man Jack of us would have dollars in plenty once 
the captured vessels were sold, and, what was far better, 
could say with good truth that we had done even more 
than our share in inflicting injury upon the enemy. 

We talked all these things over while the America was 
driven swiftly by favouring winds toward the Massachusetts 
coast, never dreaming but that we had come to an end of 
taking prizes until after going ashore at Salem. 

Therefore it was we were almost astonished when, the 
voyage being more than half completed, the lookouts 
announced that a sail was in sight, and the information 
was given in a tone which told plainly the belief of the 
men that another Britisher was within our grasp. 

It was on the sixteenth day of December, when we 


146 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

were near the Western Islands, that this sail came in view 
from the southeast. 

We in the cabin were making a long story of breakfast 
as a means of passing the time, when the lookout hailed, 
and he who has ever served on a privateer knows full well 
the excitement which was immediately after apparent on 
our decks. 

I might fill page after page with an account of what was 
said or done from eight o’clock on that morning until 
nearly noon, when we had the Britisher close under our 
guns, for we could sail nearly two miles to her one ; but so 
much has already been set down here concerning a chase 
that I shall say, without further preamble, it was quickly 
at an end once we came within range. 

It was the brig Euphemia , of Glasgow, bound for Gibral- 
tar from La Guayra, with four hundred thousand pounds 
of coffee on board, which we had overhauled, and, although 
the Britisher carried ten guns and was manned by thirty- 
five men, she submitted to capture as peacefully as if she 
had been a child. 

We had only to fire a shot across her bows after she 
was beneath our guns, and the deed was done. 

That valuable cargo and staunch vessel was ours with- 
out further parley, and would serve to swell the amount of 
prize-money until our men’s heads swam with thinking of 
the good hard dollars which would be theirs once we made 
Salem again. 

This last capture rejoiced me more than had any of the 
others ; not particularly on account of the rich cargo, but 


THE OUTBREAK. 


14 7 


because she had fallen into our hands so easily, and when 
we believed we had done, for the time being, with captur- 
ing Britishers. 

The king, who claimed the right to overhaul our vessels 
in order to impress Yankees under the subterfuge that 
they had once been Englishmen, would soon learn how 
much of blood and treasure it was necessary to spend in 
the effort to make good the claim, if indeed he ever could. 

Well, we made a prize of the Euphemia ; displaced 
Captain John Gray, who commanded her when she left La 
Guayra, by our boatswain’s mate, Archibald S. Dennis, 
and threw on board eleven men to take the places of the 
twenty-one sailors and two officers we made prisoners. 

The remainder of the crew promised to obey faithfully 
the new master, and were allowed to remain aboard the 
craft they had counted on taking into a British port. 

Four hundred thousand pounds of coffee is not to be 
picked up on the ocean every day, and it can well be fan- 
cied that our crew, what was left of them, made exceeding 
merry over the capture ; but any one of them might have 
been reduced to a state of shame had the cook but whis- 
pered in his ear the single word “ghost.” 

After we were on our course once more, in company 
with the prize, which we did not count on losing sight of, 
all hands came to understand why Captain Ropes, who had 
the name of being most greedy when Britishers were to be 
captured, was so willing to steer for the home port before 
we had been at sea four months. 

The truth leaked out when we were put on an allowance 


148 


THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 


of three and one-half pints of water per day for each man, 
including the officers, and before we sighted Baker’s 
Island once more every man Jack of us knew what it was 
to be thirsty. 

The prisoners, despite all they would have done, were 
given the same amount of water as Captain Ropes himself 
had, and this fact was some consolation to me as I thought 
of what such a throng must suffer in the narrow confines 
of the brig. 

Neither Simon Ropes nor I felt hardly toward them 
because of the injuries they had inflicted upon us. 

In fact, it seemed only natural they should attempt to 
capture the ship, when what seemed a favourable oppor- 
tunity presented itself, and I have no doubt but that we 
two lads, barring the possibility of our being too cowardly, 
would have made a similar effort under like circumstances. 

We longed for water as a miser longs for gold, prisoners 
and Americans alike, before we reached port, and never 
again will I say that money can buy all which is needed in 
this world. 

We sailed proudly up past Baker’s Island, one hundred 
and twenty-two days after having passed it outward bound, 
and in that time we had captured six prizes that were after- 
ward valued at one hundred and fifty-eight thousand dollars. 

Show me a privateer afloat during the war just ended, 
which made more valuable captures, or was more success- 
ful in getting her prizes into port ! 

The James and Charlotte was carried by Mr. Tibbetts 
safely into Salem Harbour. The Benjamin put into Nan- 


THE OUTBREAK. 


I49 


tucket, after having been chased for fifty-two hours by a 
British sloop-of-war, and, later, was sold at auction in 
Boston. Mr. Proctor ran the Ralph Nickerson into 
Marblehead, where her cargo of lumber found a ready 
sale, and Mr. Valpey successfully piloted the Hope into 
Boston Bay. The Dart arrived at Salem without mishap, 
and her merchandise is remembered to this day by the 
people of the eastern coast, while the Euphemia was 
chased, but succeeded in gaining the harbour of Portland, 
Maine, three days after we arrived at the home port. 

We had not lost a single prize, which was another 
matter to give us more than our share of pride, and from 
the hour our anchor was dropped on the seventh day of 
January, in the year 1813, the fame of the America spread 
from Maine to South Carolina. 

Captain Ropes took good care that the people of Salem 
should know what Simon and I had done when the prison- 
ers attempted to capture the ship, and as we went ashore 
it was with difficulty we could make our way to the head 
of the dock, because of the throngs which were bent on 
showing their appreciation of our services. 

I should have had sufficient courage to explain that on 
my part it was all an accident ; that if there had been any 
idea in my mind of the danger which threatened, I might 
not have remained in the hold of the ship to check the 
rush ; but even though I had screamed at the full strength 
of my lungs none would have heard, so great was the up- 
roar, or, hearing, would have taken heed after Simon’s 
father had given his account of the affair. 


I50 THE ARMED SHIP AMERICA. 

As a matter of fact, I hardly realised that I was receiv- 
ing praise which had not been earned ; the thought of 
being clasped in my mother’s arms once more, knowing 
she was convinced I had done my full duty, was so great 
that all else passed unheeded, and until her dear arms 
folded me closely to her breast I did not fully understand 
what part I was playing in this reception given by the good 
people of Salem. 

I came to appreciate it fully, however, at a later day, 
and to be exceeding proud of its being said on every street 
corner concerning Simon Ropes and myself, that we had 
shown ourselves to be the equal of any who sailed from 
Salem on board the armed ship America . 


THE END. 














































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